Why is my infrared heater blowing cold air?

Author: Prof. Quentin Padberg  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

In conclusion, there are several common reasons why an infrared heater may not be blowing hot air, including insufficient power supply, malfunctioning thermostat, blocked or dirty heating elements, issues with the fan or air flow, and problems with the heating element itself.

Why is my heater blowing out cold air instead of hot?

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 fix an electric heater that blows cold air?

How To Troubleshoot Furnace Blowing Cold Air
  1. Step 1: Check Thermostat Setting. First and most importantly, make sure your thermostat is set to Heating Mode. ...
  2. Step 2: Evaluate and Adjust Your Vents: ...
  3. Step 3: Assess Furnace Filters and Replace Filters If They Are Dirty. ...
  4. Step 4: Call An HVAC Pro.

Why is my infrared panel heater not heating up?

Check the power supply If your infrared heating system is not turning on or is not producing heat, it's essential to check the power supply. Start by checking the power cord to ensure it is securely plugged into the outlet. If the cord is damaged or frayed, it should be replaced immediately.

Why is cold air coming out when heat is on?

The heat exchanger uses coils to transfer heat from the ignited gas to the air. When cold air blows from a furnace the heat exchanger, furnace burner, or exhaust are likely the cause. This may be due to dirty components, broken parts, or the many safety mechanisms within the gas system.

Tips from Ted: Portable Infrared Heaters

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

Typically, there's a 10 to 15 minutes allowance for this. However, if after this time it's still producing cold air, then there's an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. It would be wise to turn the furnace off and get in touch with a pro immediately for help dealing with the issue.

Why is my heat on but still 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.

What are common problems with infrared heaters?

Infrared Outdoor Heater Not Blowing Hot Air? Let's Dive In!
  • Common reasons why an infrared heater may not blow hot air. ...
  • Insufficient power supply. ...
  • Malfunctioning thermostat. ...
  • Blocked or dirty heating elements. ...
  • Issues with the fan or air flow. ...
  • Problems with the heating element itself.

How long do infrared heaters take to warm up?

From cold start, infrared panels take roughly 10 minutes to get to temperature. It's a gradual build-up rather than an instant burst of heat due to its lower frequency, but that's why it's perfect for all-day heating.

Do infrared heating panels really work?

They're effective at heating your home and are especially useful in winter if you want to heat it during the coldest months. But, like many things in life, infrared heating panels also have downsides. In other words, they might not be for everyone.

Why is my heater not pushing out hot air?

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. Clean all of the parts of your furnace, especially the ones that are susceptible to dust and dirt.

Why is my heater intermittently blowing cold air?

Many factors can cause your heating system to blow cold air, such as dirty furnace parts, damaged ductwork, clogged air filters, and problems with components. Some of these issues are easy to fix yourself, but others require professional heater repairs.

Why is my electric fire only blowing out cold air?

This is often caused by the temperature limiting control. Some electric fireplaces are equipped with a temperature limiting control system that prevents the heater from reaching an unsafe temperature. The heater automatically turns off for your safety.

How do you fix a heater that blows 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 is my HRV blowing cold air?

In winter the HRV will continue to bring a very small amount of cold air into the house even when the roof temperature is lower than the set temperature. This is called Ventilation Mode.

What could cause a heater to not provide heated air?

Blocked registers or vents can also cause a heater breakdown in the same way that clogged air filters do. If your HVAC system can't take in enough air, it will be unable to distribute warm air. It is also worth noting that occasionally a vent will get closed by accident.

Can I leave infrared heater on all the time?

To give you the quick answer, the majority of good infrared heating panels are designed with safety and efficiency in mind, allowing them to be left on throughout the day without major safety issues or costing you a small fortune.

Does an infrared heater use a lot of electricity?

But don't worry, infrared heaters are incredibly efficient. They're designed to keep a space warm while using as little electricity as possible.

How many years do infrared heaters last?

Lifespan of infrared panels vs traditional heating

When considering heating options, longevity is a crucial factor. Infrared panels are known for their durability and should last around 20 years, but depending on the quality of the panel, this could be anywhere from 10 to 30 years.

Do infrared heaters give off carbon monoxide?

No combustion or open flames: Unlike many heating systems, infrared heaters don't burn fuel in the open air. This means they don't produce carbon monoxide or other harmful gases as a by-product.

Why is infrared heating not popular?

We understand why people look at infrared heating—it sounds energy efficient. But in reality, infrared heaters need to stay on longer to maintain warmth, and because they only heat what they directly touch, they often end up using more energy than expected.

Why is my heat running but blowing cold air?

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 does my house still feel cold at 73?

If you're cold even though your thermostat indicates you shouldn't be, your furnace likely isn't the problem. In most cases, it's working just fine. It's your home that needs attention. Lack of insulation, severe air leakage, and/or unbalanced ductwork are frequently to blame.

Why is cold air coming out instead of heat?

The heater might blow cold air rather than warm if the gas line supply has been turned off. This usually happens when something goes wrong with the heater, and it breaks. For example, maybe there was a problem with a gas valve, the gas supply pipe, or something else in your furnace broke down.

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