Why does it feel like my vents are blowing cold air?

Author: Vanessa Howe  |  Last update: Thursday, July 10, 2025

If the air feels chilly, start by checking your thermostat settings. Otherwise, you might need to replace your air filter or reignite your pilot light. Don't hesitate to call an HVAC expert if you can't identify or solve the problem.

Why does it feel like cold air coming out of my vents?

If you have cold air actively coming out of the vent, you could possibly have holes in your ducts that cold air leaks into while your heat is off. You should probably call an hvac or have a look yourself at the ducts in your house to find any holes that could potentially leak cold air into your home.

Why does it feel like cold air when heat is on?

It May Be Blowing Relatively Cooler Air

Given that the ideal thermostat setting is at 68 degrees, blown air at 90 degrees is actually warmer than what is needed for heating. However, it is cooler compared to the average body temperature of 98.6 degrees, which makes it feel cool, and is often mistaken for cold air.

Why are my vents blowing cold air when the heat is on?

The most common reason a heat pump is blowing cold air through your air vents is defrost mode. This is a safety feature to melt frost and ice within the system. During defrost mode your heat pump made switch modes to heat up the outdoor coils. Indoor temperatures will fall because the system is briefly in cooling mode.

How do I stop cold air coming through my vents?

Ensure that all the ductwork connections are sealed properly on the interior and exterior points of the ductwork. You can seal gaps using metal tape, foaming insulation spray, or mastic sealant. You do not need to remove any existing sealant and may build up the sealant over top of any current filler.

Furnace blowing COLD air out vents - 3 MOST common causes!

How cold should the air be blowing out of the vents?

This means that if the air entering the system is 75°F, the air coming out of the vent should be between 55°F and 61°F.

Why is cold air coming out of the return air vent?

Dirty filters, leaky ducts, and poor insulation can cause cold return vents. Leaky ducts often cause cold air to blow even after cranking the heat up. 20-30% of air, especially hot air, is lost because of leaky ducts. Cracked, holey ductwork needs sealing or replacement.

Should I turn my heat off if it's blowing cold air?

Yes, you should turn your heater off if it's blowing cold air to prevent potential damage to the system. Running a malfunctioning heater can strain the components, leading to more significant issues and increased energy usage.

Why don't I feel heat coming out of vents?

This could be simply because the vent air's temperature is below your body temperature. Check this by looking at your thermostat and observing the inside temperature.

Why is my heat setting blowing cold air?

Common Reasons For Furnaces Blowing Cold Air:

Your Thermostat is Set Incorrectly. The Furnace Filter is Dirty. Your Furnace Has Overheated. The Condensate Line is Clogged.

Why does blowing air feel cold?

When we blow air from our mouth, if it reaches to an object fast, then a lot of ambient air gets mixed with it. The result is that the air falling on the object gets cold. Conversely, if the air from our mouth reaches the object slowly, it remains warm.

Why is my heat on but my house feels cold?

This problem often points to inadequate circulation of warm air. It could be due to blocked vents, a failing HVAC fan, or issues with the furnace itself. Ensure that furniture or drapes are not blocking your vents. Also, check if your furnace's filter is clean, as a dirty filter can restrict airflow.

Why is my AC not putting out heat?

If your HVAC system isn't blowing warm air, start by checking the thermostat settings and batteries; more complex issues like faulty wiring or ignition system problems may necessitate professional assistance. Airflow restriction due to clogged air filters can result in your system blowing cold air.

How do you tell if your vents are clogged?

Signs of an air duct clog include: One room in your house is hotter than all the others. Dirty air coming from vents. Unusual spikes in electric bills.

Why does my house feel cold air?

Do you feel a draft? Cold air may be finding its way in through cracks and gaps in your attic, foundation, windows and doors. Air sealing is one of the most important things you can do to improve energy efficiency, your home's comfort and health.

Why can't I feel air coming out of my vents?

If your AC is running and you are not feeling air coming out of your vents, you will first want to check all of your vents to see if you have an issue with just one or with multiple vents. If you notice a lack of airflow in just one area of your home, check to ensure that the registers in this area are completely open.

Why does it feel like cold air coming out of vents?

Check the thermostat

The air coming out of your vents might seem rather cool or your home is not staying as warm as the temperature you set. Maybe your heater is not blowing hot air even though the fan is running. As a result, any air that blows out of the vents while your heater is off will usually feel cold.

How to clear a blocked air duct?

Cleaning your AC ducts yourself isn't too difficult when you follow these steps:
  1. Remove vent covers and wash them. ...
  2. Cover vent openings with paper towels. ...
  3. Set your thermostat to the "FAN ON" position. ...
  4. Loosen the dust. ...
  5. Vacuum it up. ...
  6. Change your air filter. ...
  7. Replace vent covers. ...
  8. Reset your thermostat setting.

How to check if an air vent is working?

Check the Air Vents

While your AC is turned on, hold your hand up to the vents. If you cannot feel any air coming out of the vents, your blower might be broken or your ductwork might be disconnected. Another potential sign of a broken AC will be air that is warm or lukewarm instead of feeling crisp and cold.

Should I turn off my AC if it's not blowing cold air?

Yes, you should turn off your AC if it's not cooling. Continuing to run a malfunctioning AC can strain the compressor and other components, leading to more severe and costly repairs. If there's a refrigerant leak or airflow issue, running the AC can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, compounding the problem.

Why does it feel like my heat pump is blowing cold air?

To protect the outdoor coils from freezing up in the winter, heat pumps go through a defrosting period every hour or so in which they are truly blowing out cold air. This defrosting period only lasts a few minutes and should not affect the overall temperature of your home.

How to reset a thermostat?

Most modern thermostats will have a clearly marked reset button inside the panel. It's usually small and recessed, so you might need a pointed object like a paperclip to press it. For those wondering specifically how to reset air conditioner thermostat models, the process is generally the same.

How do you tell if you have leaky ducts?

Well, signs of leaking ducts include:
  1. Higher-than-average utility bills.
  2. Uneven cooling/heating throughout the house.
  3. Excessive amounts of dust in your home.
  4. Visual confirmation that air is leaking from your ducts.

Why is cold air coming out of my vents when the heat is on in my car?

When the thermostat can't signal that the engine is warm, the coolant won't be sent over to provide heat to the heater core and the air will blow cold. Solution: You need to install a new thermostat to get your heater working again. It's a relatively quick and easy fix.

Should you feel air coming out of a return vent?

An air return vent is the hole through which the air in your home is sucked and sent back, or returned, to the HVAC system. This is why you won't feel air coming into a room through an air return vent—that is the job of another type of vent entirely (air supply vent).

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