When frigid winter temperatures come to Metro Detroit, a furnace blowing cold air isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a recipe for frosty mornings and chilly nights. From Fraser to Ferndale, families count on their furnaces to provide consistent heat during the season’s worst. At Detroit Furnace, we’ve spent over a decade helping Tri-County homeowners troubleshoot and solve heating issues with speed and expertise.
If your furnace is blowing cold air instead of warm, don’t panic. We’ll dive into the common causes behind this problem and share tips for getting your furnace back on track, so you don’t need to bundle up indoors.
1. Thermostat Issues
Your thermostat controls how your furnace runs, so even a small mistake with its settings can cause problems. If the thermostat is set to “On” instead of “Auto,” the furnace’s fan will blow air even when no heat is being produced, which might feel like cold air. Switching it to “Auto” ensures the fan only runs when the furnace is heating.
Sometimes, the thermostat itself may not be working right. Low batteries, loose wires, or even an old or broken thermostat can make it hard for the furnace to keep your home warm. Checking the settings, replacing batteries, or having the thermostat inspected can often solve the issue.
2. Pilot Light Problems
If you have an older gas furnace, the pilot light is a small flame that helps ignite the burners to produce heat. If the pilot light goes out, the furnace can’t heat the air, so it blows cold air instead.
To check the pilot light, open the furnace’s access panel and look for a small flame. If it’s out, follow these steps to relight it:
- Turn off the furnace and wait a few minutes to ensure no gas is lingering.
- Find the pilot light assembly and turn the gas valve to the “Pilot” position.
- Press and hold the reset button while using a long lighter or match to relight the pilot.
- Once the flame is steady, release the button and turn the gas valve back to the “On” position.
If the pilot light won’t stay lit, there could be a bigger problem, like a dirty sensor or a gas supply issue. In that case, it’s best to call a professional for help.
3. Dirty Air Filters
A clogged air filter can cause more problems than you might think. When the filter is full of dust and debris, it blocks proper airflow into the furnace. This restriction makes the furnace work harder, which can cause it to overheat. To protect itself, the system might shut down the heat exchanger, leaving you with cold air blowing through your vents.
The good news is that this issue is easy to prevent. Regularly changing your air filter — usually every one to three months, depending on usage — helps keep the airflow smooth and your furnace running efficiently.
4. Overheating Furnace
When a furnace overheats, it might shut down its heating function as a safety measure, leaving only cold air blowing through the vents. This happens because the system is trying to protect itself from further damage. Common causes of overheating include dirty air filters, closed or blocked vents, and obstructions in ductwork reducing the system’s efficiency.
To prevent your furnace from overheating, make sure all vents are open and clear of furniture or other items. Regularly check and replace your air filter and schedule routine maintenance to ensure there are no hidden issues causing stress on the system.
Schedule Furnace Repairs With Detroit Furnace
If your furnace is blowing cold air, don’t wait until it gets worse. Schedule furnace repairs with Detroit Furnace today. Our licensed and certified technicians are always ready to help, offering fast, same-day service to get your home warm again. With our 24/7 emergency services, you can count on us to be there whenever you need us.
Don’t let a cold home ruin your winter. Contact Detroit Furnace today to schedule fast, reliable furnace repairs in the Metro Detroit area.
