Could a Broken Heater Be the Cause of Cold Air Blowing from the Vents?

Cold Air Blowing: Is It a Broken Heater or Something Else?

When it’s already cold and snowy outside, and then cold air starts blowing out of the heater, it’s the icing on the cake. It’s like standing out in the rain on the sidewalk, but then getting even more soaked when a car races past and splashes dirty water everywhere. It’s not a pleasant feeling, but homeowners would be wrong to assume that cold air blowing from the heater means the heater is broken.

Sometimes it is a sign of a broken heater that needs to be replaced. But other times, it can be fixed with a few minor adjustments without needing to call a professional out to the house.

Adjust Furnace Settings

Before jumping to conclusions that the heater is broken and the house is doomed, take a step back and check some basic furnace settings. Look to see how the fan setting is currently programmed.

The fan controls the blower, and the blower is responsible for circulating air throughout the house. Is the fan set to “on”? If it is, the blower will run continuously throughout the day, even when the furnace is not heating air.

This is one of the most common reasons for random blasts of cold air. Adjust the fan setting to “auto,” so the blower only runs when air is being heated. Also, check the pilot light. When the light is off, the burners won’t light, and no heat will be produced. If this is the case, relight the pilot light to fix this issue.

Switch Out Dirty Air Filters

Just like a car needs a regular oil change, a house needs a few regular maintenance updates like switching out dirty air filters. Over time, dust and dirt can start to collect on air filters. When this happens, warm air can’t make its way through the house and instead, cold air can start to blow from the heater.

The thickness of the air filter determines how often it needs to be changed. A 1-inch or 2-inch filter needs to be switched out about every 3 months, while a 4-inch filter should be changed every 6 months, and a 5-inch filter should be changed once a year.

Like adjusting the furnace settings, this is a task that homeowners can do by themselves without needing to call a professional, and it will help improve indoor air quality.

Replace Overheated Heater

If the furnace settings are correct and the air filters are clean, there’s a bigger issue going on, and it could be an overheated heater. When a heater is overheated, it can no longer function properly and can blow cold air. This is one of several tell-tale signs of an overheated heater.

A few other signs to pay attention to include a burning smell from the vents, loud humming or other unusual noises, or a complete shutdown of the furnace. In the case of an overheated heater, it is best to reach out to a professional HVAC technician as the heater will likely need to be replaced.

About Albritton Service Co

At Albritton Service Co, their goal is to help make sure that customers’ homes are always safe and comfortable. Whether the AC isn’t working, the electrical panel is old and outdated, or something in between, they can help provide the necessary solution. They maintain proper licenses and insurance, and all of the highly qualified technicians follow strict safety regulations and carry out all work to local code.

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