As an integral part of your HVAC system, the last thing you want is your furnace not working properly. Not only does it make life uncomfortable, but it can also pose a safety risk to your family. Even if you’re getting slightly warm air instead of hot air, it’s time to troubleshoot the issue. Don’t wait until the situation gets worse. You need to act fast to ensure your furnace is working efficiently, keeping your loved ones safe and cozy. With a bit of attention and care, you can enjoy an efficient gas furnace that works properly all year long!
Your gas furnace may not be blowing hot air for reasons ranging from simple human oversight to a major mechanical problem.
9 Reasons Your Furnace is Not Blowing Hot Air
- It’s Just Been Turned On
- The Thermostat is Set To the Wrong Temperature
- The Air Filter is Clogged
- The Pilot Light is Out
- The Ducts are Damaged
- There’s Not Enough Gas
- Your Heater is Too Big or Too Small
- The Burners are Clogged
- The Blower Motor Panel isn’t Closed
It’s Just Been Turned On
If your furnace isn’t blowing hot air as soon as you turn it on, give it a moment before you call a professional. The system requires time to initiate, assess your home’s internal temperature, and make necessary adjustments. Efficient heating systems don’t keep the fan running constantly, so be patient for a few extra minutes before raising concerns. This delay allows the furnace to acclimate and operate with precision, which in turn promotes energy efficiency and saves you money.
The Thermostat is Set To the Wrong Temperature
If you’re sure your heater’s been on for a while and still isn’t blowing hot air, try examining your thermostat. Confirm that the thermostat setting is higher than your home’s current temperature. For thermostats powered by batteries, check they’re still charged.
If your thermostat fan is set to “ON,” the furnace blower operates continuously, even without warm air circulation. This constant fan operation results in chilly air from the vents. Go ahead and switch the fan from “ON” to “AUTO.” This simple adjustment ensures the fan operates only when heating is actively taking place.
The Air Filter is Clogged
A clogged air filter disrupts airflow in the furnace’s heat exchanger, leading to overheating. This will trigger the switch that shuts down the burners to prevent heat exchanger damage. If your furnace isn’t blowing warm air, check for a clogged filter.
Start by turning off the furnace at the thermostat, then inspect the filter. If it’s dirty, replace it. We strongly advise replacing the furnace filter every three months to prevent airflow obstruction and maintain optimal performance.
The Pilot Light is Out
For older gas furnaces with a pilot light, a non-lit pilot light can keep the furnace from blowing hot air. The first thing to do in this situation is to check that the gas supply is unobstructed. See if the gas valve aligns parallel to the gas supply pipe, allowing constant gas flow. The next thing to try is cleaning the pilot light to facilitate proper gas flow.
If the pilot ignites but won’t stay lit, the issue might lie with the thermocouple. Consider calling a furnace technician to replace it.
The Ducts are Damaged
Damaged air ducts in a forced air heating system prevent your heater’s optimal performance. If some rooms are consistently cold despite the furnace working correctly, check your ductwork. Approximately 20 to 30 percent of air moving through ducts is lost due to leaks, holes, and poor connections, resulting in increased utility bills and compromised air quality.
Check for handles on the ducts and ensure all the vents are fully open. If certain rooms remain cold, inspect the ducts for gaps, cracks, or holes that might allow hot air to escape. Seal any leaks you find using mastic sealant or contact an HVAC professional.
There’s Not Enough Gas
Insufficient gas supply to your furnace can cause sudden shifts from hot to cold air, indicating a potential problem. As with overheating, inadequate gas poses a hazard that shuts down the system for safety.
If you notice erratic heating patterns, first check that your furnace has an adequate gas supply. Failure to do so will not only affect the system’s performance but also poses potential safety risks.
Your Heater is Too Big or Too Small
If you recently moved, check and see if your furnace is the right size for your home. The wrong furnace size —whether too small or too large—can lead to issues with effectiveness and efficiency. If the furnace is too small, it’ll struggle to gauge the internal temperature accurately, resulting in cool air output. A furnace that’s too big can create excess wear and tear on your entire HVAC system, as well as higher energy bills and other significant problems, like not blowing hot air.
The Burners are Clogged
Your HVAC burner blends fuel with air to generate heat for your home. Whether you have one or multiple burners, if your furnace isn’t producing hot air, it might be due to clogged burners. Try to regularly clean your burners for optimal HVAC performance, efficiency, and durability. Check that they’re free from obstructions. And, of course, when in doubt, call an HVAC professional.
The Blower Motor Panel isn’t Closed
One of your furnace’s main safety features is that it will refuse to operate if the blower motor panel door isn’t securely closed. Whenever you do maintenance or have your HVAC system inspected, make sure that the blower panel is shut correctly. This precautionary measure prevents potential hazards and ensures the safe and effective operation of your furnace.
Call John C. Flood for All Your Gas Furnace Needs
The best way to prevent minor gas furnace issues from becoming expensive and damaging problems is through regular professional maintenance. John C. Flood will not only repair your broken or damaged furnace, but we’ll provide you with a yearly inspection to make sure everything is working properly.
Give us a call at 703-752-1251, or click the ‘Book Your Service’ button below to learn more. Local experts in the Virginia and Maryland area are available now!
