What do you do when your heater blows out cold air
Nathan Sanders
Published Mar 31, 2026
An overly clogged air filter will limit airflow to your furnace and could cause it to overheat and turn off. Then the furnace blowing cold air is all you’re going to get! This is something you can check yourself – just make sure your furnace is turned off before you look at or remove the filter from the air handler.
What do I do if my heat is blowing cold air?
If you notice that your heater is blowing cold air, make sure to check the settings on your thermostat. Although it’s unlikely, you may have forgotten to move the switch to the ‘Heat’ position. When looking at your thermostat settings, ensure the switch is in the ‘Auto’ position.
How do you fix a heater that won't heat up?
Change filters Dirty filters are the most common cause of furnace problems. Dust and dirt restrict airflow—and if the filter gets too clogged, the heat exchanger will overheat and shut off too quickly, and your house won’t warm up. If the blower is running but no heat is coming out, replace the filter.
Why is cold air coming out of my vents when the heat is on?
Your Air Filter Is Dirty Clogged air filters could be causing cold air to blow out of your vents. A dirty air filter can block airflow over your furnace’s heat exchanger, which can cause it to overheat.Why is my heater running but no heat?
When you turn the furnace on but no heat comes out, there may be an obstruction. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, which can make it feel like not much heated air is coming out of your vents. Check the furnace filter and replace it if its surface is covered with contaminants.
How do I stop cold air coming through my vents?
A Fix to Cold Air Coming Out of Vents: Duct Insulation & Sealing Services. Ducts should be tightly sealed and insulated to keep the air in them warm during the winter.
How do I reset my heater?
- First, turn off the power supply to the furnace by turning off the breaker in the circuit box.
- Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. …
- If the button is popped up, press it down.
- Return the cover to the blower compartment and turn the power on.
Why is my heat and air not working?
Two of the most common reasons your home central heating isn’t working are a dirty flame sensor and a dirty air filter. Clean the flame sensor with a steel wool pad and replace the air filter every 1-2 months.Why is my electric heater blowing cold air in my house?
Dirty Filters More often than not, electric heaters blow cold air when its filters are clogged, and that’s why it’s the first thing you should check. Start by turning your heater off and inspecting the filters. If the filters are caked with dust, then it’s likely the culprit behind your heater’s malfunction.
Why is my furnace not blowing cold air?If it’s cooler, it could be in need of refrigerant or the compressor has gone out. Then, turn your system off at the thermostat. Before you do anything else, try changing the air filter. This will help you figure out whether the issue is simply low airflow due to a clogged filter.
Article first time published onWhy is there no air coming from vents in my house?
The most common cause of low air flow through the vents in your home is blocked or dirty AC filters. … Be sure to keep the area around your AC filters clear of furniture and anything else that might block the flow of air, and be sure to clean or change your AC filters once a month.
How do I get my furnace to kick on?
- Check your circuit breakers.
- Check your thermostat settings.
- Ensure your furnace filters are clean.
- Check your pilot light.
- Check your blower motor.
- Check the furnace ignition switch.
How long does it take for furnace to reset?
Either way, restarting a furnace is a relatively simple task that takes no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Follow these steps to reset your gas furnace: Turn the circuit breaker off and switch the furnace power button off too.
Why has my electric heater stopped working?
Blown fuses CAUSE: The most common cause for electric heater not working is blown fuses. … If it is fuses or tripped, then what you can do is that you can replace the fuse or reset the circuit breakers if required. Now plug the appliance back in and switch it on. See if the problem has been resolved.
Can you cover up air vents?
You could mess with the air flow. Just because you cover the vent, it doesn’t mean your HVAC system knows that. It will keep pushing air to those vents, and if they’re closed, you could cause a buildup of air pressure and insufficient airflow which could damage your system.
Is it bad to cover a cold air return?
Long story short: It’s never a good idea to cover up cold air returns. Don’t succumb to the temptation, and always check that air is circulating freely when you move furniture. If your HVAC system isn’t performing the way you would like, it might have other efficiency issues.
Why are my vents not blowing hot air?
Four common reasons there isn’t enough hot air blowing out of your vents are: A Vent is Blocked. The Air Filter is Clogged. Leaky Ductwork.
Why is my furnace not lighting?
The pilot light or ignition sensor is usually the most common issue when your furnace will not ignite. … Then, remove the front panel to find the ignitor or ignition sensor. This is typically located near the burners. If the sensor or ignitor is dirty, it will need to be cleaned.
How do I get more air out of my vents?
- Clean outdoor condenser unit.
- Vacuum indoor vents and keep them unclogged.
- Increase the thermostat temperature.
- Keep blinds and curtains closed.
- Clear your drain line.
- Insulate any exposed ductwork.
How do I get more air in my vents?
Check Vents and Registers One of the simplest things you can do to increase airflow in your home is to check the vents and registers in each room. Make a point of keeping every register open, even if you don’t necessarily want to cool a specific room.
How do I fix the airflow in my house?
- Clean your air filters regularly. …
- Check your AC vents to see if they are not obstructed in any way. …
- Fix any leaks and holes in your HVAC ductwork. …
- Clean your fan blades regularly with a soft cloth.
- Schedule regular AC tune-ups to help your unit run smoothly.
What to check when furnace is not working?
- Step #1: Check your Air Filter.
- Step #2: Check Your Pilot Light.
- Step #3: Check Your Thermostat.
- Step #4: Check The Power.
- Step #5: Check Your Gas Supply.
How do you reset a furnace blower?
- Step 1: Turn off the power to the furnace. …
- Step 2: Remove the blower compartment cover. …
- Step 3: Make sure the blower is completely cooled off. …
- Step 4: Locate the reset button. …
- Step 5: Press the button in (assuming that this is your issue and that the button has popped).
How long does it take furnace to heat up?
In general, your furnace will take about an hour to warm up your home by a few degrees. Although this depends on a home’s size and the furnace’s age, you should expect the temperature to feel slightly warmer after about 30-45 minutes.