We’re all looking forward to spring. But in the meantime, we still need our heating systems to run reliably for a bit longer as we finish out the Minnesota winter! We’re here to help with heating and air conditioner repair in St. Paul, MN. If you’re chilly, we’ve got you covered. Is cool air coming from your vents while your furnace runs? Here’s what you can do about it.
Check Your Thermostat
Depending on the type and model of thermostat that you have, it may be entirely possible for it to be turned off, changed, or switched to an “away” setting by accident. An elbow bump, a curious cat paw, or a mischievous child could have been responsible. If the fan is still set to “on” but the heat no longer is, you’ll end up with cold air blowing from your vents. Check to make sure it’s set the way you intended.
Check Your Air Filter
Your furnace has a component called a limit switch. It has an extremely critical safety function: if things get too hot inside the furnace, the limit switch will shut the system down. Why would it overheat in there? Maybe because of excess friction or an electrical issue with the motor, but it could also be as simple as a clogged air filter.
Furnace air filters are meant to be changed approximately monthly during the winter. Some are reusable and need to be washed and dried. Some are disposable and need to be replaced with a new one. It’s always a good idea to check your furnace filter when you’ve got a heating problem, before you call for professional repairs.
Check the Gas
Did your utility company shut off your gas? Or are they having a widespread problem? If not, could it be that your pilot has gone out? Your owner’s manual has instructions for relighting it, but the most important part is to shut off the gas and allow plenty of time for any leaked gas to air out before trying to relight a pilot.
Get Help From a Professional
Once you’ve been through those steps and you still don’t have heat, it’s time for professional assistance. It could be a limit switch shutdown for a reason that’s not the air filter. It could be a faulty flame sensor, not allowing fuel to flow because it can’t sense a flame to burn the gas. It could be that the thermostat needs to be recalibrated, or even that a duct has come disconnected somewhere inside your walls.
When you need heating repair, we’re ready to get you cozy again! After all, we know how important heat is to our neighbors in this climate. We’ll get the job done right, so you and your family can enjoy the tail end of winter in comfort.