Has your central air system left you shivering in the cold, even though it works perfectly when the weather gets too hot? It’s a common issue that many homeowners face, and it can be quite puzzling.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons your HVAC system might be blowing cold air instead of warming your home.
Remember, it’s always best to contact a professional when dealing with HVAC problems in your home for safe and efficient solutions. Stick around to learn more and stay cozy.
How central air and heating work
We all love stepping into a comfortably warm home on a chilly winter’s day or a refreshingly cool house in the sweltering summer heat, don’t we? The magic behind this comfort is the often-overlooked central air and heating system.
Think about your home as a large refrigerator. Sounds strange, right? But it’s a pretty good comparison. When your central air and heating system is in cooling mode, it absorbs the heat from inside your home, just like a refrigerator keeps your food cool by removing the heat from within. It then releases this absorbed heat outside, effectively cooling down your home’s interior.
Here’s a real-world example to illustrate this. Imagine you’re sipping on a hot cup of coffee, but it’s too hot, and you want to cool it down. You blow on it, right? As you blow, your breath absorbs some of the heat from the coffee and carries it away, cooling your coffee.
Just like you, the central air and heating system breathes in the hot air from inside the house, absorbs the heat, and breathes it out outside your home.
During colder months, the process is reversed by the heating system. It pulls in cold air from your home, heats it up, and circulates the warm air throughout your home, giving you a snug and toasty environment.
It’s a bit like snuggling up in a warm blanket fresh out of the dryer. The air, much like the blanket, absorbs the heat and wraps your home in warmth.
After understanding how central air and heating work, you might be tempted to troubleshoot your furnace and tamper with the system when something goes wrong. However, remember that dealing with these systems requires specific expertise.
Just like you wouldn’t attempt to fix your own car’s engine without proper knowledge, don’t try to handle your HVAC system’s problems. Always contact a professional if issues arise to ensure your home’s comfort is restored safely and efficiently.
5 common reasons your central air works but not your heating
Here are some common reasons for your central air working, but not your heating.
- Faulty thermostat settings
The simplest explanation could be that your thermostat is set to ‘cool’ instead of ‘heat’. It might seem obvious, but it’s an easy mistake to make, especially if you have recently been cooling your home. If your thermostat isn’t set correctly, it can cause your HVAC system to blow cold air even in the winter.
- Clogged filter
If your furnace filter is clogged, it can restrict airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and shut down the heating element. The blower stays on to cool down the furnace, leading to cold air circulating. Regularly changing your filter (recommended every 1-3 months) can prevent this issue.
- Faulty ignition system
A faulty ignition system can prevent your furnace from producing heat. This could be due to issues with an intermittent pilot light or a hot surface igniter. If you’re not getting a flame when your heating system kicks on, it could be an indication of an ignition problem.
- Problems with the gas supply
If there’s a problem with the gas supply, your furnace can’t produce heat. You should check if the gas valve is turned on and if the gas supply to your home is working. Do not attempt to fix gas problems yourself; instead, contact a licensed HVAC professional.
- Broken ductwork
Damaged or leaky ductwork can allow the warm air to escape before it reaches its destination. Moreover, cold air from unheated areas of the house can enter the ductwork, resulting in cold air being blown out. Regular ductwork inspection and maintenance can help prevent this issue.
Is your central air working but not heat? Contact American Home Water & Air
A range of issues, from thermostat malfunctions to broken ductwork, can result in your HVAC system blowing cold air during winter. Regular upkeep, encompassing filter replacements, inspection of the ignition system, monitoring the gas supply, and maintenance of the ductwork, can help prevent these issues.
Nevertheless, due to the complex nature of HVAC systems, professional assistance is highly recommended when problems arise. Stay warm and ensure your comfort by addressing these potential concerns with your heating system.
If you live in the Phoenix, Arizona area, consider American Home Water & Air as a reliable provider for all your HVAC needs. We’ve been working for over 30 years to provide homeowners with timely and transparent service. If you’re experiencing issues with your system, contact us today!
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