Imagine that it’s one of those biting cold winter days, where everything is frozen straight down to your bones. You head over to your thermostat, eagerly anticipating the warmth of your trusty furnace. But instead of a toasty relief, you’re greeted with an unwelcome blast of cold air. It’s a homeowner’s nightmare – outside, a snowy canvas; inside, just as cold.
Your home should be a refuge against the outdoor elements. If you face a failing furnace, it is more than just an inconvenience; it puts you and your family in serious danger.
Don’t worry, though; if you are experiencing a similar situation as described above, Blankenship Heating and Cooling is here with some helpful advice to help get your furnace back on track swiftly and efficiently.
The First Suspect: Your Thermostat
The thermostat is the brain of your heating system, and sometimes, the solution is as simple as checking its settings.
Mistakenly set to “cool” or having the fan on “on” instead of “auto” can cause your furnace to blow unheated air.
Remember, the “auto” setting ensures that the fan and furnace operate in sync, delivering warm air when needed.
Don’t Forget The Air Filter
Air filters are easy to forget (or ignore), but that is a big no-no for homeowners. A clogged air filter is akin to a dam blocking a river’s flow. This obstruction can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down – leaving you without heat.
Regularly checking and changing your air filters (every 30 to 90 days) is essential to maintain an unobstructed flow of warm air.
Out of Sight, But Vital
Your home’s ductwork is out of sight and, consequently, out of mind. However, it’s a common culprit in furnace inefficiencies. Leaks or blockages in the ductwork can result in significant loss of warm air.
Likewise, the condensate lines in high-efficiency furnaces which are crucial for removing moisture, can clog up and impede the ignition process. Regular inspections are your best defense against such hidden troubles.
Keeping the Flame Alive
If you own an older furnace, it probably has a pilot light which must remain continuously lit for it to operate. Pilot lights can be temperamental and may need relighting as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Modern furnaces use flame sensors. Sometimes, these become coated in dust which cause them to fail. Usually, a gentle cleaning can solve this problem.
Gas Furnaces: A Matter of Safety
For those with gas furnaces, disruptions in the gas supply can spell trouble. If the pilot light flickers out or refuses to light, it could signal a deeper issue with the gas supply.
Please note that this is not DIY territory. You need to call Blankenship Heating & Cooling immediately, so one of our professionals can come take a look. Our intervention can help protect your family’s safety.
Electric Furnaces: Complex but Efficient
Electric furnaces rely on on heat strips, which can present different challenges. These systems are intricate, and issues like failed heat strips can lead to your furnace blowing cold air.
Just like with gas furnaces, these types of issues need a professional’s eye to diagnose and repair. Call Blankenship Heating & Cooling, and we’ll immediately send out a qualified technician to get your heat back up and running again.
The Challenge with Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are very efficient in moderate climates, but can struggle when faced with severe cold. Heat pumps might not provide enough warmth when temperatures drop below the 40° mark.
If your home has a heat pump, it may become necessary to employ emergency heat. Either an air handler with heat strips or a supplemental gas furnace could be viable options for your home.
Understanding your thermostat’s settings to manage this switch is crucial for reliable warmth.
When A Furnace Feels Its Age
Like most all machines, furnaces have a lifespan and decrease in efficiency as they age. A furnace nearing or beyond 15 years might start to show wear and tear, leading to overheating and inefficiencies.
Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your furnace. But eventually, you are going to be faced with the need to upgrade to a new one. If you suspect your furnace might be nearing the end of its life, give us a call. We’ll help you choose a cost-effective and efficient replacement.
An Annual Tune-Up Can Be A Life Saver
Savvy homeowners understand the importance of annual furnace maintenance. Neglecting this can leave your furnace vulnerable to unexpected failures. Regular check-ups can identify and address issues early, saving you from potential cold and costly replacements.
At Blankenship Heating & Cooling, we offer a comprehensive HVAC Inspection that will ensure your system is up to the task this winter. Call us to schedule your check up!
DIY? Know Your Limits
Some furnace issues are manageable with a ‘do it yourself’ solution – like adjusting thermostat settings or changing air filters.
However, more significant problems – especially those involving gas supplies or complex mechanical failures – necessitate a professional’s expertise. Prioritizing the safety of your home and family is paramount, and that’s where our services come in.
Final Thoughts
A well-functioning furnace is as crucial to winter comfort as firewood or warm sweaters. If the air from your vents this winter isn’t as warm as desired, don’t fret. Professional HVAC services are just a call away, and we are ready to restore your cozy home. Remember, timely maintenance and understanding the nuances of your heating system are essential to enduring the winter’s chill in comfort and joy.
