There’s nothing worse than feeling a blast of cold air come through your vents when you expect soothing warmth.

We know how frustrating it can be when the furnace fails you just as winter’s chill sets in. But don’t worry, we have a few troubleshooting tips, you can try!

Diagnosing Potential Furnace Problems

When your furnace starts blowing cold air, there are a few key things to check before calling in the pros. Knowing the basics can help you restore heat quickly and potentially save money on repairs.

Double Check Those Thermostat Settings

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to adjust the thermostat only to find it was switched to AC mode or the temperature setting had dropped way down. Make sure to verify that your thermostat is set to heat and that the temperature is actually raised above the current room reading. It may seem simple, but it never hurts to double check!

Don’t Forget to Change That Filter

A furnace filter that hasn’t been changed in awhile can easily get clogged with dust, pet hair and other debris. This restricts the airflow to your furnace, preventing it from operating at full force. Try replacing your filter with a clean one, which is usually recommended monthly in winter. Just be sure to write yourself a reminder so you don’t let it slip!

Check on the Pilot Light

If you have a gas furnace like many Albuquerque homes, there’s a pilot light that ignites the gas burner to produce heat. If that little flame goes out, your furnace doesn’t have the ignition source it needs. The fix can be as simple as re-lighting the pilot light using your furnace manual. I’d advise calling your HVAC company if you’re unsure of the process.

Test the Thermocouple

This is one I learned about recently from my HVAC guy. The thermocouple is a sensor that tells the gas valve when the pilot light is on. If it malfunctions, the furnace will shut off the gas supply as a safety precaution. Replacing a faulty thermocouple restores normal operation, but it’s best to have a professional handle this one.

Listen for Blower Motor Problems

The blower motor is what pushes the heated air through your ducts and into the rooms. If it’s making strange noises or not running properly, it likely needs to be repaired or replaced. An HVAC technician can diagnose issues like worn bearings or electrical faults. Don’t put off those funny furnace sounds!

Check Ductwork for Damage

Leaky, disconnected or poorly insulated ductwork can lead to major heat loss as that warm air escapes before reaching vents. Visually inspect for any detached ducts or obvious gaps and seal with metal tape as a temporary fix. Improving duct insulation may require calling out an HVAC pro.

Taking Action to Restore Warmth

Once you’ve determined the likely cause of the cold air, here are some tips to get your furnace firing on all cylinders again:

• Carefully re-check thermostat settings and adjust as needed. Make sure modes and temps are set properly.
• Mark your calendar to replace furnace filters monthly. Upgrade to pleated filters for best airflow.
• If experienced with your furnace, re-light the pilot using manufacturer instructions.
• Replace a faulty thermocouple so the furnace operates safely and efficiently again.
• Have an HVAC company diagnose and repair blower motor or ductwork issues.
• Schedule annual maintenance in the fall to improve performance and lifespan.

Enjoy the Cozy Warmth of Home

As you rest comfortably beneath a warm blanket, happily soaking up the heat from your now toasty furnace, breathe a sigh of contentment. Dealing with fickle furnaces can be oh so frustrating, but a little informed troubleshooting goes a long way. Just remember that with the right maintenance and a reliable HVAC partner, your home can always be a haven of warmth and respite from winter’s sting.

Here’s to many more cozy winters ahead in your Albuquerque home! Stay warm out there, friends.

Solving Furnace Cold Air Issues

Try these handy DIY furnace troubleshooting tips to outsmart the cold.

Step 1: Check Those Thermostat Settings

It never hurts to double check the basics first. Make sure your thermostat is actually flipped to “heat” mode and the temperature is raised above the room reading. If it’s set to AC or lowered way down, adjusting it might be all you need to get the heat going again.

Step 2: Don’t Forget the Filter

One of the easiest things to overlook is a dirty, clogged furnace filter. Lack of airflow due to debris buildup can cause the furnace to shut down and blow cold air to prevent damage. Try replacing your filter with a clean one. Monthly filter swaps are best for winter.

Step 3: Inspect the Pilot Light

If you have a gas furnace, verify that the pilot light is actually lit. All it takes is a gust of wind or sputter for it to go out. Locate the pilot assembly and carefully re-light it by following the manufacturer’s instructions if needed.

Step 4: Test the Thermocouple

This handy component senses whether the pilot light is on and signals gas flow. If faulty, the furnace thinks the pilot’s out and stops heating. Replacement restores function, but is best left to professionals for safety.

Step 5: Listen for Blower Motor Issues

The blower motor pushes heated air through your ducts. Unusual noises can indicate a failing motor that requires diagnosis and repair by a skilled technician. Don’t ignore those strange furnace sounds!

Step 6: Check Ductwork Integrity

Leaky, detached or poorly insulated ductwork allows heat to escape before reaching vents. Visually inspect for obvious gaps or detachments and seal with metal tape temporarily. Bigger repairs need an HVAC pro’s expertise.

Step 7: Call in HVAC Experts

Pilot light or thermocouple repairs, electrical issues and blower motor replacement are best left to experienced professionals, unless you’re very handy. They have the skills to safely troubleshoot and fix tricky furnace failures.