If you don't have enough hot air coming through the vents in your home in the winter, you may have an air circulation issue. If it's always been a problem, the heater may not be the right size for your home. In some cases, it's an easy fix that you can handle yourself. Other problems will require a professional.
While furnaces can stop operating for complicated reasons, home owners should check a few usual suspects first behind a lack of hot blowing air: Electrical problems causing a loss of power. Blocked air vents and ducts restricting airflow. Improperly configured thermostat settings.
Air Filter Blockage: A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow. Check and replace the filter if it's dirty. Blocked Vents: Make sure that vents are not obstructed by furniture, dust, or debris. Ductwork Problems: There could be leaks or blockages in the ductwork that prevent air from reaching the vents.
Duct problems: A common problem for forced air heaters is with the ducts they use to distribute warmth. Although a dirt build-up can cause a heating power reduction, the more likely culprit is breaks along the metal of the vent. Corrosion or amateur repair work can cause this debilitating damage.
Issues with the pilot light, high limit switch, blocked burners, leaky ductwork, electrical problems, and blower motor failures are common reasons for HVAC systems blowing cold air. These problems often require professional maintenance and repairs.
A Recap of Why the Thermostat Says Heat On But No Heat Comes from the Furnace and What to Do About It. Dirty air filter–Change it. Gas supply turned off–Turn on the valve or call the gas company. Incorrect thermostat settings–Review all the settings and change them if necessary.
Two thermostat issues that could cause your furnace to blow cold air include (1) your thermostat is still set to COOL, not HEAT and (2) your thermostat fan is set to ON, not AUTO.
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. If it's rising, and the heat pump shuts off once it reaches your desired temperature, then the heat pump is doing its job.
You can generally identify a blocked air duct by a distinct drop in heating and cooling efficiency, increased energy costs, and occasionally a musty, dusty smell throughout the home. The blockage usually comes over time, by a buildup of dust and debris that just accumulates until it begins choking the system.
Typically, for an average house, the average cost for ductwork replacement is between $1,400 and $8,000. Smaller homes generally require less ductwork, leading to lower costs.
Obstructed Vent
One of the most common causes for poor airflow is a blocked vent. To properly heat or cool your home, the air needs to be unobstructed. To see if there are any blocked vents, look by the baseboards or on the ceiling. Furniture, bedding, and the vent damper could all be possible obstacles to the vent.
If you are experiencing weak airflow from vents in the house, check whether it is happening only in one vent or multiple vents. In case only one vent shows the problem, you may be having a problem with a disconnected or leaky duct, a crushed duct flex or a closed damper.
Install More Return Vents
Supply air and return air need to be balanced, but there's no such thing as too much return air. By installing more return vents throughout your home, they can trap the air and remove it, improving air circulation.
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.
If you see dust and dirt both inside and outside — especially by the vents that blow cool air out — your ducts most likely need to be cleaned. To prevent future dust buildup, make sure you replace your HVAC system air filters frequently. You can also run an air purifier.
Lightly massage your breast from the plugged duct down to the nipple before and during breastfeeding. Apply ice or cold packs to provide relief and reduce swelling. Breastfeed on demand and use different positions. Empty the affected breast first.
Check your thermostat's batteries and replace any that are exhausted or defective. Clean all of the parts of your furnace, especially the ones that are susceptible to dust and dirt. You could also hire HVAC technicians to clean the system thoroughly. Ensure that the gas valve is open and not obstructed by any debris.
You Have Cold Air Blowing Out The Vents When The Heat Is On Because of a Dirty Air Filter. Hiding in the filter of your heating system is dirt and debris. If you aren't cleaning it regularly, this will accumulate over time, leading to problems with your heating system's efficiency.
If you feel chilly indoors, you might want to check for drafty areas in the home. Potential gaps or cracks around windows and doorframes can let in the cold air. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows are responsible for up to 30% of heat loss.
A common problem with HVAC units including furnaces and heat pumps is air filters that are dirty and clogged. Ideally, they are replaced quarterly because it doesn't take long for a filter to trap dust, pollen, hair, and more.
If you're asking yourself Why is my house so cold even with the heating on? or Why is my house not staying warm?, the truth is that air leaks—along with insufficient insulation—cause heat to escape directly from your home.
If your furnace is blowing cold air in your home, this is a sign of an issue with the flame detector, gas supply, air filter, pilot light, or condensate lines. Many of these issues are able to be easily solved on your own by sanitizing or replacing components in the gas furnace.