Don’t Let the Winter Chill Invade Your Home
Your propane furnace is blowing out cold air.
It feels like you’re running your AC in the middle of winter.
You need it pumping that warm, cozy air asap.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind When Working With a Propane Furnace
- Only DIY within your comfort level. If you’re unsure about your actions, put down the screwdriver and call the professionals.
- Always turn off the gas before attempting any repairs to a gas furnace.
- If you detect a small like rotten eggs, this means you have a propane leak. Stop what you’re doing, get out of the house, and call a professional.
- Make sure you have functional carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Keep the batteries fresh. CO does not have a smell. If the detectors alarm, evacuate your home immediately and contact emergency services.
What to do if Your Furnace is Blowing Cold Air
Below are possible DIY and Professional Solutions starting with the easiest and most obvious repairs and ending will the more complex fixes.
DIY Solutions
Check the Thermostat
The first thing to check is your thermostat settings. Make sure your thermostat is set to the heating mode and the desired temperature. Also, check the batteries—a thermostat with low or dead batteries can cause irregularities in heating.
Adjust the thermostat settings and replace the batteries if necessary.Give it some time, and if the issue persists, move on to the next potential problem.
As a rule of thumb, you should check the batteries every 3-4 months.
Change the Air Filter
A clogged or dirty air filter can obstruct the airflow, making you feel like your air isn’t warm enough and causing your furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety measure. When the furnace restarts, it may blow cold air initially.
Check to see if the filter needs to be replaced or cleaned. This simple maintenance task not only ensures proper airflow but also enhances the overall efficiency of your heating system.
Regularly replace or clean your furnace filter every 1-3 months, depending on the type.
Verify Gas Supply
No gas means no combustion which means no heat.
Check if other gas appliances in your home are working. If they’re not, there might be a gas supply issue. Make sure the gas valve to your furnace is open.
Confirm that your propane tank has an adequate supply of propane by reading the guage. Sometimes, a simple oversight like an empty propane tank can be the culprit.
If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate your home immediately and contact your gas utility provider and emergency services.
Inspect the Pilot Light or Ingition System
If you have an older furnace with a pilot light, check to see if it’s lit. For newer models, ensure that the ignition system is functioning correctly.
A malfunctioning pilot light or ignition system can prevent the furnace from igniting and producing warm air.
Follow your furnace’s user manual to relight the pilot light or troubleshoot the ignition system.
If you’re uncomfortable doing this or this still doesn’t fix the cold air, it’s time to consult a professional.
Professional Solutions
Clean the Pilot Light or Ignition System
Without the flame or spark to ignite the fuel, there’s no way to heat up the air.
Older models have a pilot light that stays on and ignites the gas while newer models have an ignition system where an electronic system creates a spark to ignite the gas in the combustion chamber.
With the pilot light, the technician will first clear any debris or soot busting compressed air, then run a diagnostic on the system to see it needs to be replaced.
For the ignition system, the debris will also be cleared then will check to see if any wiring is bent or deteriorated to determine is replacement is necessary.
Inspect the Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply if it detects a malfunction. If there’s no gas, there’s no heat. The technician will check to see if the thermocouple is positioned correctly and free of any corrosion or debris.
The technician will clean the thermocouple with a fine abrasive pad or let you know if a replacement is needed.
Clean the Flame Sensor
The flame sensor is responsible for detecting the presence of a flame. Over time, it can accumulate soot or become dirty, hindering its functionality, which means it could be detecting a flame that isn’t there.
The technician will clean the flame sensor with a soft brush or emery cloth. If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, the sensor may need to be replaced.
Check for Gas Leak
Anytime a system is serviced, the technician always checks for a gas leak as a safety precaution.
They will methodically inspect the entire gas line, connections, and valves for leaks from a jostled line or rodent that got to the tube. They will also conduct a pressure test to assess the integrity of the system.
If a leak is detected, the technician will identify the specific location and assess the severity of the issue. Repair options may range from tightening loose connections to replacing faulty valves or damaged components.
Inspect the Ductwork
Leaky or disconnected ducts can allow cold air from unheated spaces to mix with the warm air produced by the furnace. This can result in uneven heating and the perception of cold air blowing from the vents.
The technician will inspect your ductwork for visible leaks or disconnections and seal any gaps with duct tape or mastic sealant.
Importance of Yearly Furnace Maintenance
Over time, dust, debris, and normal wear and tear slow down operational effectiveness and can turn your home into a nightmare of discomfort, extra expenses, and danger.
Being proactive about your furnace maintenance means setting your propane up for success with…
- Enhanced energy efficiency: Clean and updated parts and optimal airflow means less fuel consumption and quicker house-wide heating when the snow begins to fall.
- Extended lifespan: Routine inspections and maintenance help identify and address potential issues before they escalate, prolonging the lifespan of your furnace and delaying the need for costly replacements.
- Cost savings: Routine maintenance may appear as an additional expense at first. However, the monthly gas and electric bill savings, along with avoiding that emergency service in the dead of winter, will be well worth a yearly check-up. Many furnace manufacturers also require regular professional maintenance for warranty validity.
- Addressing safety concerns: By identifying minor issues such as loose wires, faulty sensors, or worn components, you can prevent them from developing into major, and potentially dangerous, malfunctions.
We Won’t Leave You in a Cold Home
Kauffman Gas offers furnace maintenance plans for every home and budget, starting at $16 per month.
We’ve been servicing furnaces for four generations.
Never worry about winter invading your home. Sign up for yours today and stay cozy.
