When it’s cold outside, you’ll be loath to discover a broken furnace waiting for you at home. A furnace turning on but not blowing air is a common problem, though, and one with multiple causes.
When property owners need heating services in Miamisburg, OH, they turn to Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Here’s what we suggest to address a lack of warm air from your furnace and more about why the problem might occur in the first place.
How Your Heating System Produces Warm Air
Furnaces and boilers are typical heating systems for properties in Miamisburg. If you have a furnace turning on but not blowing warm air as it should, you’ll want to know how your system works to start troubleshooting the problem.
The thermostat triggers the heater to turn on when indoor temperatures fall below the device’s set level. The heating unit then ignites its fuel source, which could be electricity, natural gas, or oil. It starts to generate heat within the heat exchanger.
Next, a fan pulls the air from your house inside the unit and pushes it over the hot heat exchanger. The cold indoor air warms. Then, the blower motor sends that heated air through the property’s ductwork and out of its many vents.
Why Miamisburg Heating Systems Stop Blowing Air
Usually, a furnace turning on but not blowing warm air has one of the following problems:
Thermostat Problems
A furnace malfunction is often a faulty thermostat problem. The device might not be in Heat mode. Somebody could also have set it to On instead of Auto, causing the system to run constantly without warming your indoor spaces.
Low batteries and incorrect temperature settings also cause issues with the heater.
Clogged Air Filters
HVAC filters trap airborne debris as air passes through the system. Eventually, the filter will clog with debris, impeding airflow. This obstruction can cause your furnace to overheat and trigger the limit switch.
The switch is a safety feature that turns off the furnace if it overheats. Unfortunately, faulty limit switches are also a problem, but you can eliminate your filter as the culprit for your lack of warmth by replacing it if it’s dirty.
Blower Motor Malfunctions
The blower motor pushes conditioned air from the heat exchanger through the ductwork. If the part sustains damage, electrical problems, or excessive wear, it could stop working.
If this happens, all that heated air remains in the furnace. The system will overheat and, eventually, shut down.
Blocked or Leaky Ducts
Why is my furnace turning on but not blowing air to where it should go? Miamisburg furnaces should turn on, generate heat, and send warm air to ductwork. However, a leak or a clog in the ducts will derail this distribution process.
Gaps or tears along seams can cause significant amounts of conditioned air to seep from the ducts, meaning the warmth won’t fill your living spaces. The same problem occurs if the ductwork has a clog from dust and debris. In either case, you will likely notice uneven heating throughout your house and weak airflow from the vents.
Power Supply Issues
Control board failure from wiring issues or power surges can prevent your heater from getting enough electricity to function. Power surges could also trip breakers or blow fuses.
You may be able to replace fuses and reset tripped breakers yourself. You’ll need expert help to restore a control board, though.
What To Do If Your Heater Stops Working
If you’re facing a furnace turning on but not blowing warm air, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check thermostat settings.
- Ensure sufficient power supply to the equipment.
- Look for blocked vents.
- Replace the HVAC filter.
If you do everything correctly and your heating system still doesn’t work, it’s time to contact a Miamisburg HVAC company for help. A qualified technician can inspect your equipment to identify the source of its troubles and implement the best solution with lasting results.
Turn To Our Miamisburg Furnace Experts and Stay Warm This Winter
Dealing with a malfunctioning furnace turning on but not blowing air is undoubtedly frustrating, but Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has NATE- and EPA-certified technicians who are ready to help. We have lots of experience inspecting, diagnosing, and fixing faulty heating systems, so trust us to restore your comfort in Miamisburg, OH.
Whether you’re experiencing furnace belt issues or need help comparing boilers and furnaces, our crew will exceed your expectations. Call us today for an appointment!