Why is my furnace blowing cold air when it should be hot?

Author: Hilbert Metz PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

If the fan limit switch malfunctions, the blower might continue to operate even when the furnace is not heating the air, resulting in your furnace blowing cold air from your registers. Or, it may prevent the furnace from operating at all. Check your air filter, and clean or replace it if needed.

Why is my furnace blowing cold air when heat is on?

A furnace blowing cold air could be the result of a leak in your ducting. Over time, the changing temperatures wear on all sorts of things, including your ductwork. In fact, it's rather normal for ductwork to develop leaks over time. When ductwork has a leak, cold air will enter a duct and blow into your home.

How do you reset a furnace that blows cold air?

5 Ways to Reset Your Furnace or Heat Pump
  1. Start With the Thermostat. In many cases, your heat pump or furnace isn't receiving messages from the thermostat. ...
  2. Use the Furnace's Power Switch. ...
  3. Flip the Furnace's Reset Button. ...
  4. Press the Heat Pump's Reset Button or Power Switch. ...
  5. Reset the Circuit Breaker.

Why is cold air coming out of my vents 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.

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.

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

Why is cold air coming out instead of heat?

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.

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.

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 is my furnace running but not blowing hot air?

A propane furnace or oil furnace blowing cold air might indicate a low or empty fuel supply. And, a clogged oil filter can also cause an oil furnace to turn on and blow cold air. If you suspect a fuel supply issue with your natural gas furnace, it's best to contact a qualified professional.

How to fix fan heater blowing cold air?

Simply reset the thermostat to AUTO. What causes the heater fan to emit cold air is the ON switch allows the fan to operate even when heat isn't required to maintain temperature control. Checking the pilot light and seeing if it is out could be a quick fix also. If the pilot is out you can try relighting it.

How do you know if your furnace needs to be reset?

Why Your Furnace May Need To Be Reset
  1. The furnace has overheated: When your furnace runs too hot, it triggers a safety shut-off to prevent damage. ...
  2. The fuel supply is empty: Your furnace can't generate heat without fuel. ...
  3. The gas valve is shut: A closed valve blocks the fuel supply.

How do I stop my furnace from blowing out cold air?

Check Furnace Air Filter

A dirty air filter hinders air movement through the furnace. This raises temperatures inside the furnace, and the limit switch shuts heating cycles down if the unit becomes too hot. If you have a dirty filter, replacing the filter typically stops cold air from blowing.

Why are some vents not blowing hot air in my house?

Four common reasons there isn't enough hot air blowing out of your vents are: A Vent is Blocked. The Air Filter is Clogged. Leaky Ductwork.

Should the thermostat be on auto or on?

Choose "AUTO" for energy savings and "ON" if you want constant air circulation or improved air filtration. Temperatures can soar or plummet depending on the time of year. Throughout the year, it is important to have reliable heating and cooling systems in order to keep your home supplied with cool or warm air.

Why is my furnace turning on but the air is cold?

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.

Why is my furnace blowing cold air then hot air?

The most common cause of a furnace that blows cold and warm air intermittently is a thermostat fan setting that is set to ON. Furnaces run in heating cycles and only produce hot air for short bursts of time. When your fan setting on your thermostat is set to AUTO, the fan only blows when the furnace is heating the air.

Why is my furnace working but not enough heat?

Change the furnace filter on a regular basis to prevent airflow problems. Closed or obstructed vents can also cause it to feel like the furnace isn't making enough heat, because not all of its hot air makes it through the vents into your living areas. Check all vents to make sure louvers are open.

Why is my furnace not reaching temperature?

Possible causes include a broken thermostat; the thermostat being set too low; an out pilot light; a blown fuse or circuit breaker; a closed gas valve; or electronic ignition problems.

Why is my furnace not blowing hot air?

Troubleshooting Tips For Furnaces Not Blowing Hot Air

Inspect your thermostat's fan settings to see whether they're “auto” rather than “on”. Ensure your thermostat has not been set to a lower setting by someone else. Check your thermostat's batteries and replace any that are exhausted or defective.

Why do I feel so cold when the heating is on?

Poor circulation

Underlying arterial disease could be causing inadequate blood circulation, making it hard to maintain core body temperature, especially in your extremities. Smoking affects temperature regulation in a similar way by causing blood vessels to constrict.

Why is my central heating blowing cold air?

The Furnace Filter is Dirty

An overly clogged dirty filter will limit air flow to your furnace and could cause it to overheat and turn off. The heated air has nowhere to go, and then the furnace blowing cold air is all you're going to get!

How can I tell if my thermostat is bad?

7 Ways to Tell Your Thermostat Is Broken
  1. The Thermostat Has No Power. ...
  2. The AC or Furnace Won't Turn On. ...
  3. The Heater or AC Won't Turn Off. ...
  4. The Thermostat Reading Doesn't Match the Room Temperature. ...
  5. The Thermostat Doesn't Respond. ...
  6. The HVAC System Is Short Cycling. ...
  7. The Thermostat Forgets Programmed Settings.

How to reset furnace thermostat without reset button?

Switch the thermostat to the off position. Locate the breaker that powers your HVAC system and turn it off. Wait 30 seconds and turn the breaker back on. Turn your thermostat back on and confirm it has reset properly.

How to reset HVAC system?

Press the reset button. Most models require you to hold the button down for 3-5 seconds before releasing. Restore power to your AC. Restore power to the unit at the circuit breaker, and make sure the unit is set to “on” and your thermostat is set to “cool.”

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