Central Heating System Blows Cold Air: What to Do?

Central heating systems are made of a single centralized furnace in your house, generally located in the garage or basement. This provides heat to the entire building.

Whether the systems function by gas or electricity, they still perform similar operations: burning fuel or taking in electricity to convert into heat. This is done when the cool air is blown across the heat exchanger in the furnace. The hot air is eventually blown in the house through ducts and vents. The furnace generally has an exhaust system that gets rid of any fumes.

Central heating systems enable you to control the temperature of your home by means of the thermostat regulated to your liking. You can keep it fully functional for a long time through frequent maintenance, but small repairs may be needed from time to time.

If your central heating system is blowing out cold air, you'll have to follow these steps to repair it.

Step 1 – Get Acquainted with Your Heating System

The first thing you have to do is check to see what type system you own. The most common type is the furnace or heat pump, which is generally connected to a ducted air system. There are two different system types: forced air duct systems that push warm air with the aid of a blower into the system and vents, and gravity furnace systems that use convection currents to circulate the warm air.

Step 2 – Change the Filters

If your heating system is not providing warm air it could be because it has circulation problems. Such a problem could be caused by a dirty filter. Consider changing your furnace filters at least once or twice a year, especially if you have pets in the house. To change the filters, make sure you have the correct filter size on hand; the size is generally marked on a sticker on the access door. Now open the access door of your furnace and slide out the old filter. Gently replace it with a new filter.

Step 3 – Clean the Vents

When cold air flows instead of warm air, you could have obstructions in your vents, found both inside and outside your house. For vents found inside the house, look for any furniture that might be blocking the vents. Outside vents may need cleaning and removal of any leaves, dirt, and debris that may have been deposited. You should also clean the cold-air returns.

Step 4 – Check Pilot Light

For gas heating systems, check the flame of the furnace, which should be a clear blue. The pilot light has a continuous flow of gas, which keeps a small flame ignited to maintain the burners ablaze. When the pilot light gets dirty it will not light properly and heat will not be provided through the burners. To clean the pilot light, make sure the thermostat and gas flow are shut off. Use the small wire brush to clean the gas release hole area for the furnace pilot light. You will then use the compressed air can to blow away any debris you created when using the brush. Once you are done, use the hand-held vacuum to remove any dirt left.

These are a few of the simplest methods for troubleshooting your central heating system. If problems persist consider calling a repairman. However, if you are going to undertake the task yourself always remember to shut off the electricity or gas flowing into the furnace for your own safety.