FURNACE REPAIR BARRIE
Furnace Repair Barrie: Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air? Causes and Solutions
When the cold months hit, the last thing any homeowner wants is a furnace that suddenly starts blowing cold air instead of warm, comforting heat. At Air Source Home Comfort, we understand how frustrating and concerning this issue can be, especially when the temperature outside is anything but forgiving. Fortunately, there are common reasons why this might be happening—and, in many cases, a simple fix will get your system back on track.
If you’re experiencing this issue and need furnace repair in Barrie, read on to learn about the top causes and the best solutions.
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1. Check Your Thermostat First
Before jumping to conclusions, start with the simplest solution: checking your thermostat settings. It’s easy to overlook, but sometimes, the issue is as simple as an incorrect setting.
What to Check:
- Fan Setting: If your thermostat is set to “ON” instead of “AUTO,” the blower will run constantly, even when the furnace isn’t heating. This can make it feel like cold air is coming through your vents.
- Heat Mode: Ensure your thermostat is actually set to “HEAT” and not “COOL.”
- Battery Power: If you have a battery-powered thermostat, weak or dead batteries could cause malfunctions.
Solution: Set the thermostat to “AUTO,” make sure it’s in heat mode, and replace the batteries if necessary.
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2. A Clogged Air Filter Can Cause Overheating
Did you know a dirty air filter can cause your furnace to stop heating properly?
How It Happens:
- A clogged filter blocks airflow, causing your furnace to work harder.
- Restricted airflow leads to overheating, triggering a safety mechanism that shuts off the burners.
- Even though the heat shuts off, the blower continues running—pushing out what feels like cold air.
Solution: Check your filter monthly and replace it every 1–3 months, depending on use and filter type.
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3. Pilot Light or Ignition Issues
If you have an older furnace with a pilot light, it may have gone out, preventing the burners from producing heat. Newer models with electronic ignitors can also have issues.
What to Check:
- Pilot Light (Older Models): If it’s out, try relighting it. If it doesn’t stay lit, you may have a thermocouple issue.
- Electronic Ignition (Newer Models): If your furnace is not igniting properly, it may be due to a faulty ignitor or flame sensor.
Solution: Try relighting the pilot light if you have an older system. If the issue persists, call an HVAC professional for an inspection.
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4. Insufficient Gas Supply
Your furnace requires a steady gas supply to generate heat. If the gas supply is interrupted, your furnace won’t be able to operate properly.
Possible Causes:
- The gas valve is closed or partially shut.
- There’s a problem with the gas line or supply to your home.
- The furnace’s gas pressure is too low, causing ignition failure.
Solution: Check that the gas valve is fully open. If you suspect a gas supply issue, contact your gas provider or Air Source Home Comfort for a professional evaluation.
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5. Leaky or Blocked Ductwork
Leaks or blockages in your home’s duct system can cause warm air to escape before it reaches your vents, leaving you with cold or weak airflow.
Signs of Ductwork Issues:
- Some rooms feel much colder than others.
- There’s visible dust or debris near vents.
- You hear whistling or rattling sounds in your ducts.
Solution: Have a professional inspect your duct system for leaks and blockages. Sealing leaks and cleaning ducts can significantly improve airflow and heating efficiency.
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5. Furnace Overheating and Safety Shutdown
If your furnace is overheating, it may automatically shut off as a safety precaution. The blower fan, however, continues running, pushing out cold air.
What Causes Overheating?
- Dirty air filter (as mentioned earlier)
- Blocked air vents restricting airflow
- Mechanical issues like a failing blower motor or heat exchanger problems
Solution: Start with the easy fix—replace the air filter and ensure all vents are open. If the problem persists, schedule a professional furnace inspection.
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When to Call a Professional for Furnace Repair in Barrie
While some furnace issues have easy DIY fixes, others require the expertise of a licensed HVAC technician. If you’ve checked the above and your furnace is still blowing cold air, it’s time to call for help.
Signs You Need Professional Furnace Repair:
- The furnace won’t turn on at all.
- There are strange noises like banging, grinding, or squealing.
- You notice burning smells or suspect a gas leak.
- Your energy bills have spiked without an obvious reason.
- The issue keeps coming back after troubleshooting.
At Air Source Home Comfort, we specialize in furnace repair in Barrie and can diagnose and fix your heating system quickly and effectively.
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FAQs About Furnace Repair in Barrie
This could be due to a faulty thermostat, clogged air filter, or pilot light issues. Check these components before calling a technician.
A banging sound can indicate delayed ignition, loose ducts, or expanding metal due to temperature changes.
While minor maintenance like replacing filters and checking the thermostat can be done at home, more complex repairs should be handled by a professional.
Change your air filter every 1–3 months for optimal performance and efficiency.
Regular maintenance, including filter replacements, annual inspections, and keeping the unit clean, can help prevent most furnace issues.
If your furnace is over 15 years old and requires frequent repairs, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new, energy-efficient model.
Don’t let a faulty furnace leave you in the cold. Whether it’s a quick fix or a major repair, Air Source Home Comfort is here to help. Call us today or book an appointment online for expert furnace repair in Barrie!
