Imagine a serene evening in your living room, enjoying a cup of coffee with your family while the heater hums in the background. Suddenly, the warmth dissipates, and you realize your furnace is not blowing air. The furnace plays a crucial function in keeping your house comfortable, and if it breaks down, you’ll have to sacrifice your coziness and comfort. As a result, don’t let a broken furnace disturb your tranquil retreat.
There are various possible reasons why your furnace is not blowing air.
But don’t worry. With the correct knowledge, skills, and the assistance of a specialist, you can restore your furnace to its former glory.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the main factors affecting furnace performance and explore solutions to restore comfort to your home. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you identify and resolve these issues.
So, keep reading.
Decoding the Chill: Why Your Furnace is Working but Not Blowing Air
Understanding Why the Furnace Is Not Blowing Air
A furnace is a central component designed to generate and distribute warmth throughout a building or residential space. It’s an important component of the HVAC system that plays a key role in indoor comfort.
These heating appliances typically operate by using a specified fuel source, such as natural gas, electricity, oil, or propane, to produce heat. The generated heat is then distributed through a network of ducts or pipes, reaching various rooms within the structure. Regular maintenance and professional inspections are vital to ensure optimal furnace performance and longevity.
Types of Furnaces
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Gas Furnaces
Gas furnaces are common in many homes. They use natural gas as a fuel source, igniting a burner to heat the air. Gas furnaces are efficient and cost-effective.
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Electric Furnaces
Electric furnaces utilize electricity as the primary energy source. While they are easy to install and maintain, they may be less cost-efficient compared to gas furnaces, depending on the electricity prices in the area.
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Oil Furnaces
Oil furnaces burn oil to produce heat. They are prevalent in areas without access to natural gas. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance.
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Propane Furnaces
Similar to gas furnaces but using propane as the fuel source, propane furnaces are commonly used in areas where natural gas is not available.
Main Components of a Furnace
The furnace has the following components that help it work efficiently:
- Return Register
- Return Duct
- Burner
- Heat Exchanger
- Blower Motor
- Blower Chamber
- Thermostat
- Air Filter
- Pilot Light or Electronic Ignitor
- Combustion Chamber
- Supply Plenum
- Supply Duct
- Supply Register
Troubleshooting Guide
1. Check Your Thermostat
Start with the basics; ensure your thermostat is set to the desired temperature and the heat mode is on. If not, set it at least five degrees higher than your current house temperature and check if the heating fan activates.
Verify the time and date on programmable thermostats, as incorrect settings can hinder proper operation. You can also replace the thermostat batteries to prevent disruptions and system resets.
2. Clean the Air Filters
Clogged or dirty air filters can restrict airflow, leading to the furnace not blowing air. Change the air filters every three months to maintain optimal performance.
Modern furnaces have a safety shutoff mechanism that can trip if the furnace overheats due to blocked filters. Therefore, regularly inspect and replace filters to prevent such issues.
3. Examine the Blower Motor
The blower is crucial for circulating the air in your home. When it malfunctions, the air distribution is compromised. Inspect the motor for visible issues, unusual sounds, or signs of overheating. Advanced troubleshooting for the blower fan should be handled by an experienced HVAC technician.
4. Inspect the Capacitor
A faulty capacitor can impact the blower motor’s performance. Consider replacing the capacitor with a new one if the motor struggles to start or makes humming noises.
5. Scrutinize the Pilot Light
The pilot light, a furnace ignitor, must stay ON continuously. In case it goes out, attempt to reignite it. Cleaning the pilot light may also help. If the issue persists, check the supply lines and consider professional assistance.
6. Clean the Flame Sensors
Dirty flame sensors can also disrupt furnace performance, providing inaccurate temperature readings. Cut the power, clean the flame sensor with an Emery cloth, and reattach it to the furnace.
7. Check the Gas Supply
If the furnace heater is not working in the house, check if the gas valve is shut off, especially in gas furnaces. Ensure sufficient fuel supply and confirm the gas valve is set to “on.” Gas valves can be accidentally left off, so regularly check if the furnace isn’t functioning as expected.
If none of these methods resolve the issue, consider hiring a professional for prompt assistance.
Furnace Not Kicking on When the Temp Drops
To effectively troubleshoot the ‘furnace not blowing air’ issue, pinpointing the root cause is essential. Let’s explore the primary reasons behind the unfortunate scenario of a furnace not kicking on when the temp drops.
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Damaged Heater Exchanger
When your furnace isn’t operating optimally, a damaged heater exchanger could be the culprit. This issue not only diminishes energy efficiency but can pose a serious threat to your household. Cracks in the exchanger may lead to the leakage of harmful carbon dioxide gas. Regular maintenance is imperative to protect your family and ensure the furnace’s reliability.
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Dead Blower Capacitor
The furnace’s initiation relies on a functional capacitor, and when it’s dead, you’ll experience a lack of heat. In some instances, a dying capacitor might run the blower at excessively low RPMs, leading to malfunctions. This common yet critical cause of furnace breakdowns requires prompt attention from trained technicians.
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Inaccurate Ductwork Installation
Heat-related issues may not stem directly from the furnace but rather from the ductwork. Clogged, dirty, or improperly installed ducts can impede the furnace’s proper functioning, potentially causing overheating. Consider cleaning ducts, reinstalling them, or transitioning to a ductless HVAC system for improved performance.
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Lack of Care and Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the cornerstone of an efficient HVAC system. Neglecting upkeep often results in component failures.
Failure to maintain your system properly can lead to various problems, such as:
- A neglected blower motor accumulates dirt, hindering its ability to circulate cool air over the heat exchanger. This can cause the exchanger to overheat and cease functioning.
- When a dirty flame sensor fails to detect a flame, it activates a safety feature, cutting off gas flow to the heater. Timely maintenance is crucial to ensure the proper functioning of the flame sensor.
- Dirty filters impede airflow throughout the furnace, contributing to a range of problems. Regularly changing filters is essential for maintaining optimal airflow and preventing malfunctions.
Get Professional Help
While dealing with the ‘furnace not blowing air’ issue, seeking help from a professional is a wise decision. They can efficiently diagnose and address any problem.
HVAC technicians possess the expertise to troubleshoot complex issues, ensuring your furnace operates safely and effectively. Professional assistance is crucial when you encounter a persistent problem or if the troubleshooting steps are outlined earlier in resolving the issue.
These experts conduct thorough inspections, identify underlying issues, and provide precise solutions to restore your furnace to optimal functionality. Whether it’s a malfunctioning blower motor or a faulty capacitor, relying on the knowledge and experience of professionals ensures a prompt and reliable resolution.
In addition, attempting to fix complex issues with gas furnaces without expertise can be dangerous, so seeking professional assistance is essential for a safe and effective resolution.
Bottom Line
In the quest to keep the home warm and comfortable, addressing issues in the furnace and identifying the root cause is paramount. Regular maintenance ensures the efficiency of your system and safeguards you from potential issues, such as carbon dioxide leakage. Addressing these issues promptly with the help of professionals contributes to a cozy and secure living space.
And for incredible HVAC maintenance services, make HOMERIGHT Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. your first choice. Our professionals specialize in ensuring the optimal performance of your heating and cooling system. So, contact us if you’re facing issues related to your heating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my furnace barely blowing air?
If your furnace is not blowing air, it could be caused by several factors. One common factor is the clogged filters that can disrupt airflow and significantly reduce the amount that a furnace can circulate. Clean the air filters regularly and replace them after every three months to ensure proper airflow. A dirty motor and a malfunctioning capacitor can also contribute to this issue. So, it’s recommended to check these components frequently to seek any visible problems. Moreover, consider getting help from a professional HVAC technician for further diagnosis and repair.
How do you fix a furnace that won't turn off?
When your gas furnace refuses to turn off, it could be due to a faulty thermostat, a malfunctioning fan limit switch, or a problem with the gas valve. Begin by verifying the thermostat settings to ensure the proper temperature is set. If the problem persists, look for any irregularities in the fan limit switch. A faulty switch may require replacement. If none of these alternatives addresses the ‘furnace not blowing air’ problem, switch off the furnace and seek a skilled HVAC specialist.