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Home  »  HeatingHome and Office ServicesOil Heating   »   Why is My Heater Blowing Cold Air?
gas furnace heater blowing cold air

Why is My Heater Blowing Cold Air?

Heating Unit is Blowing Cold Air From Vents.

In the Philadelphia region, fall is quickly turning into winter, and with the dropping temperatures, locals are turning on their HVAC heating systems for the first time this season.

Few pleasures are as satisfying as a warm home during the cold winter. Unfortunately, we know from our experience at EMCO Tech Heating and Cooling that some residents will inevitably face a cold awakening when turning on their HVAC systems this winter: frigid air!

Why is your heater blowing cold air? You could be facing any one of several problems, but hopefully, with quick action and expert help, you can fix your system quickly!

Below, we detail how to check for common HVAC heating problems. If you identify the source of your faulty HVAC heating system, you might provide your own HVAC fix!

How to Check Common HVAC Heating Problems

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is a control device that signals your HVAC system to ignite your heat when your home reaches a specific pre-set temperature set by you. Your HVAC problem may be the thermostat, and the fix may be as simple as replacing the device’s batteries.

A few more relevant questions: Is your thermostat compatible with your HVAC heating system? And is your thermostat appropriately set to ignite and maintain your household heating?

Check the Airflow

To check your airflow, check your air vents for blowing air. Sometimes, you may have a clogged air filter, which restricts airflow, tripping a safety sensor and shutting the unit down. Alternatively, your supply or return ducts might be blocked by furniture or closed, tripping the same sensors, and stopping the heating system.

Check Your Fuel Source

What type of fuel is powering your heating system? Gas, oil, or electricity? Oil and propane units use fuel from a tank, which needs to be refiled periodically. If your heater is not working, you might be out of fuel.

Common HVAC Heating Equipment Problems

Natural Gas or Propane Heater

If you are lucky to have gas service at your property, you can take advantage of the most reliably cost-effective heat source for your heater at home or in the office.

A natural gas or propane system may experience problems related to the flame detector, gas supply, air filter, pilot light, or condensate line.

Oil System

Oil furnaces can cost less than gas furnaces, but gas prices can fluctuate.

An oil-based HVAC system may experience problems related to the oil tank (which may be empty), a control board glitch, overheating caused by dirty filters, an extinguished pilot light, a faulty valve or thermocouple (a sensor that controls ignition and the gas valve), leaking ducts, compromised flame sensor, or a dirty oil burner.

Heat pump

Electricity-powered heat pumps use outdoor units for heat and AC. Heat is produced through a reverse cycle of freon when outdoor temperatures are above freezing. Below freezing temperatures, the HVAC unit uses an electrical spiral (auxiliary heat), much like a centralized space heater.

Common problems related to heat pumps can vary, and heating pumps might fail to start for several reasons. In the case of a faulty heat pump, we strongly recommend seeking the help of an HVAC/R technician.

Common HVAC Issues That Lead to Cold Air

  • Beware of fire – it means your ignition is failing to start
  • A broken thermostat will not engage the heating system
  • A faulty circuit control board cannot control the heating system.
  • An empty fuel tank – your fuel source has run out!
  • Triggered safety mode – when your furnace gets too hot, a safety mode is triggered to stop the heat from accelerating to a dangerous level
  • A faulty main limit switch can wrongly activate the furnace safety cycle
  • A cracked heat exchanger puts your household at immediate risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning—act immediately
  • Dirty air or clogged evaporator coils or air vents can restrict airflow, causing a faulty system, improper ventilation, and air contamination
  • Blocked airflow

EMCO Tech Heating and Cooling: Emergency HVAC Services

If you have checked your thermostat, airflow, and fuel source and cannot identify the problem with your HVAC system, you may need the help of a professional HVAC technician. Visit our partners page businessseek.biz.

EMCO Tech services HVAC heating systems in the greater Philadelphia region. You can schedule your appointment online HERE. Additionally, you can call our home offices (215) 366-1001 or use our online contact form.

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At EMCO Tech Heating and Cooling, we understand the importance of having a functional heating and cooling system, whether it's in your home or commercial space. Our team of technicians is well-versed in all residential and commercial manufacturers of HVAC equipment, and we can handle any repair, installation, or maintenance job efficiently and effectively. We take pride in delivering superior customer service, while also ensuring that we use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to diagnose HVAC problems quickly. Plus, we offer cost-effective repair and replacement solutions to meet your needs and budget. We are the best HVAC service in Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia because we don't just fix the problem - we also educate our customers on how to prevent future HVAC issues. Our team is dedicated to keeping you comfortable year-round, and we guarantee your satisfaction. Get in touch with us today to schedule a service call or to receive a free estimate.