Are you experiencing the frustration of your electric furnace blowing out cold air when you’re expecting a warm and cozy environment? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
This common problem can have a variety of causes, but in this article, we’ll explore the nine main reasons why your electric furnace might be blowing cold air. We’ll also discuss the possible solutions, so you can take the necessary steps to resolve the issue and regain the comfort you deserve.
Reasons for Electric Furnace Blowing Cold Air
Thermostat Settings
One of the most common reasons for an electric furnace blowing cold air is incorrect thermostat settings. If your thermostat is set to the air conditioning (AC) mode or the fan is set to “on” instead of “auto,” it will only blow out cold air.
Make sure to set your thermostat to the heat mode and the fan to “auto” to ensure warm air is being circulated.
Faulty Thermostat
A faulty thermostat can also be the culprit. If your thermostat is broken or malfunctioning, it may not be sending the proper signals to the furnace to produce heat.
In this case, it’s advisable to have your thermostat inspected by a professional and consider getting it replaced if necessary.
Bad Contactor
The contactor in your electric furnace is responsible for transmitting the electrical current to the heating coils. If the contactor becomes defective or worn out, it may fail to energize the coils, resulting in cold air blowing out.
Replacing the contactor is usually the solution in this scenario.
Burned Out Coils
Over time, the heating coils in your electric furnace can become worn out or burned out. When this happens, they lose their ability to generate heat efficiently, and you’ll notice cold air coming from the vents instead.
It’s necessary to replace these coils for your furnace to function properly again.
Dirty Filter
A dirty or clogged filter can obstruct the airflow in your furnace, preventing it from properly heating the air. Regularly checking and cleaning or replacing your furnace filter is essential in maintaining its efficiency and preventing cold air from being blown out.
Tripped Circuit
If your electric furnace suddenly starts blowing cold air, it might be due to a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Check your electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace blown fuses to restore the power supply to your furnace.
Leaking Ducts
Leaking ducts can allow cold air from unconditioned areas, such as crawl spaces or attics, to mix with the warm air from your furnace. This can result in colder air blowing out of your vents.
Inspecting and repairing any leaks in your duct system is crucial to maintaining proper heating and preventing energy waste.
Heating Up Time
Sometimes, an electric furnace blowing cold air at the beginning of its cycle is completely normal. Electric furnaces may take a few minutes to warm up before producing hot air.
It’s advisable to wait patiently for a few minutes after turning on your furnace to allow it to reach its operating temperature.
Faulty Heat Sensor
The heat sensor in your electric furnace can malfunction and fail to accurately detect the temperature, resulting in improper heating. A professional technician can diagnose and repair or replace the faulty heat sensor to restore proper operation.
Solutions for Electric Furnace Blowing Cold Air
Checking and Adjusting Thermostat
Ensure that your thermostat is set to the heat mode and the fan is set to “auto.” Double-checking these settings can quickly resolve the issue of cold air blowing out. Replacing
Faulty Thermostat
If your thermostat is found to be faulty, have it replaced by a professional to ensure accurate temperature readings and proper functioning of your furnace.
Repairing or Replacing Contactor
If your contactor is worn out or defective, it will need to be repaired or replaced by a technician. This will allow the coils to be properly energized, resulting in warm air being blown out.
Replacing
Burned Out Coils
When the heating coils in your electric furnace are burned out, replacing them is the only solution to restore heat production and prevent cold air from being distributed. Cleaning or Replacing
Dirty Filter
If your furnace’s airflow is obstructed by a dirty filter, cleaning or replacing it can improve the efficiency of your system and eliminate the problem of cold air blowing out.
Resetting
Tripped Circuit
Reset any tripped circuit breakers or replace blown fuses in your electrical panel to restore power to your furnace and resolve the issue of cold air blowing out. Repairing or Replacing
Leaking Ducts
Calling in a professional to inspect and repair any leaks in your duct system can prevent cold air from mixing with warm air, ensuring proper heating throughout your home.
Allowing Furnace to Warm Up
Be patient and allow your electric furnace a few minutes to warm up before expecting hot air to circulate. This can alleviate the concern of cold air blowing out initially.
Repairing or Replacing
Faulty Heat Sensor
If your heat sensor is not functioning correctly, have a professional technician repair or replace it to ensure your electric furnace accurately detects the temperature and produces the desired warmth. By understanding these common reasons for an electric furnace blowing cold air and implementing the appropriate solutions, you’ll be able to enjoy a warm and comfortable home environment once again.
If you’re unsure of how to diagnose or fix the issue, it’s always best to consult a professional technician who can provide expert guidance and assistance. Stay warm!