Why Does My Furnace Blow Cold Air?
Why Does My Furnace Blow Cold Air?
One of the most frustrating experiences during the cold winter months is when your furnace blows cold air instead of providing the warm comfort you expect. The answer might be poor airflow if you’re wondering what’s causing your furnace to blow cold air.
Your heating system relies on proper ventilation through ducts and vents to work efficiently. If something blocks these areas, it can restrict the airflow. This disruption causes your furnace to blow cold air instead of warm, lowering the temperature throughout your home.
Here are some common reasons why airflow is restricted. By understanding the cause, you can troubleshoot the problem and prevent it from happening again.
Dirty Air Filter
The filter in your heating system is designed to remove harmful airborne particles and prevent illness. Over time, the filter becomes dirty or clogged, impeding airflow. Poor air circulation leads to insufficient heating and causes your furnace to blow cold air. Regularly clean or replace your furnace filters to ensure proper airflow and prevent this issue.
Blocked Vents
Warm air is distributed into your home through supply vents. If these vents are blocked by furniture or other objects, the warm air cannot circulate effectively, which makes your furnace blow cold air.
Similarly, if the return vents that pull air into the air ducts are blocked, your furnace won’t have enough air to heat and distribute. Because of the insufficient air, your furnace blows cold air instead of warm.
Clogged Coil
Some systems are designed with both a furnace and a central AC. These systems are built with an evaporator coil that absorbs heat from the surrounding air. The evaporator coil is used for the cooling cycle but also affects the heating process because it’s inside the furnace.
If the coil gets dirty or clogged, it can block airflow, causing the furnace to blow cold air. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the coil are crucial to ensure proper functioning and prevent this issue.
Repair Your Furnace
A malfunctioning furnace in the middle of winter can be disastrous. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen or until your furnace doesn’t turn on. Contact Severson Plumbing for tailored HVAC solutions. We thoroughly inspect what’s causing your furnace to blow cold air and determine the best way to fix it. You can rely on us to repair your furnace so you can stay warm and cozy at home.
2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist
2024 HVAC Maintenance Checklist
As a homeowner or business owner, it is crucial to maintain your HVAC system regularly to ensure it operates efficiently and provides optimal comfort. Here's a comprehensive HVAC maintenance checklist for 2024 to help keep your unit in top condition throughout the year. By following this, you can identify and address potential problems early, saving you time and money in the long run.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
Performing routine checks every month is essential to maintaining an efficiently functioning HVAC system. Here are some tasks to include in your monthly checklist:
- Clear Outdoor Unit
Inspect the outdoor unit and remove any debris obstructing the condenser fan exhaust, such as leaves, shrubs, or blockages. Ensure at least 2 feet of space around the indoor components to promote proper airflow.
- Clean or Replace Air Filters
Check and clean or replace air filters regularly. Clogged filters put a strain on your HVAC unit, impacting its performance. Use a smart thermostat to receive timely notifications for air filter replacement.
- Inspect Refrigerant Lines
Conduct a monthly inspection to check for any leaks in the refrigerant lines. Damaged lines can cause inefficient system performance and increased energy bills.
Seasonal Maintenance Tasks
Seasonal inspections ensure your HVAC system operates optimally during specific weather conditions. Here is a checklist to follow before each season:
- Check and Clean Condenser Coils
Clear any dust or debris accumulated on the evaporator coils and condenser. A professional HVAC technician can handle this task safely and effectively.
- Check Heating/Cooling Elements
Inspect and test the heating and cooling elements to ensure they function properly.
- Inspect Fans and Blades
Check the fans and blades for proper operation. Clean or lubricate them as necessary.
- Inspect Electrical Connections and Wiring
Ensure all electrical connections and wiring are secure and free from damage. Any compromised connections should be repaired promptly.
- Clean Ductwork and Vents
Clear out any dust or debris in the ductwork and vents to maintain good airflow throughout your home.
Annual Maintenance Tasks
Certain HVAC maintenance tasks should be completed annually to ensure your system's long-term performance. While you can do some tasks, hiring an HVAC professional for comprehensive checks is advisable. Here's what should be done annually:
- Replace Carbon Monoxide Battery Detectors
Check and replace the carbon monoxide battery detectors if you have them installed.
- Lubricate Internal Components
Ensure proper lubrication of internal components to minimize friction and reduce wear and tear.
- Clean AC Condensate Drain Line
Use bleach to clean the AC condensate drain line and prevent clogs or blockages.
- Check Outdoor Unit Placement
Verify that the outdoor unit of your AC is standing on level ground to ensure proper functioning.
Contact Severson Plumbing Today
Make HVAC maintenance a priority this 2024 to reap the benefits of a well-functioning system and a comfortable living environment. Severson Plumbing is here to handle all your HVAC needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.
What to Consider Before Hiring a Commercial Plumber
What to Consider Before Hiring a Commercial Plumber
Being a property owner means you’ll have to be responsible for ensuring that everything is in place or in good condition. So, when your establishment’s plumbing system needs repair, hiring qualified commercial plumbers is of utmost importance. Listed below are some things you’ll need to consider before hiring a professional.
Professional Experience
Consider hiring plumbers with years of professional experience. Newer plumbers may be capable, but they also need to further hone their skills and attain field knowledge. Seasoned plumbing experts can effectively evaluate your workplace’s needs and provide solutions that are specific to your situation. They may even offer better warranties and exceptional customer service.
License and Insurance
Every professional plumber must be licensed to work. Be sure to check with the plumbing service providers if their field workers have valid licenses. This is important because plumbers that have active work permits would have needed to pass the standards of a regional accrediting body.
Additionally, do not hesitate to ask if the plumbers you want to hire are insured. They must have liability and worker’s compensation insurance at hand. This protects you if they have an accidental injury while working on a plumbing project on your property. Any damage to your property would be easily covered as well.
Industry Knowledge
Consider hiring plumbers that are very knowledgeable about the specific plumbing project you need to get done. Do not hesitate to ask if they have worked in different commercial plumbing areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Also, if their services are needed for your home, ask if they are familiar with your specific type of residence. For example, plumbing for apartments, single-level homes, and condos each have very distinct layouts.
Reviews
Another thing to consider would be company reviews. You may ask your friends, family members, and co-workers if they have had a great experience working with a specific plumber. Research reviews online as well. You may use any search engine to look up previous customer’s opinions about the plumbing service providers you want to hire.
Leave Your Worries to Severson Plumbing
When your property needs expert plumbing, look no further! Severson Plumbing has you covered! Our commercial plumbers will ensure that you’ll have a better plumbing system in no time. Reach out to us to learn more!
Save your pipes! It’s not too late to winterize your plumbing.
Save your pipes! It’s not too late to winterize your plumbing.
We know in Central Oregon that the summers are short, warm, and dry and the winters are very long, cold, and snowy. According to the NOAA National Center for Environmental Information Bend typically has 167 frosty nights a year and most of the nights from November to March drop to temperatures below 32°F. In fact, for an average of 13 days annually the thermometer in Bend typically never rises above freezing. When water freezes, it expands. If the temperature of your pipes drops below 32°F you run the potential risk of a pipe fracture or worse. Prevent common plumbing problems this winter by being proactive and checking out our tips below to safeguard your system throughout the cooler months. Here are our recommendations:
1️.Turn off outside water valves to prevent frozen pipes. If your home has a separate shut-off for external faucets, turn it off and drain the water from those faucets.
2. Your pipes are more susceptible to freezing damage when temperatures drop to 20°F or below. Pipe insulation provides an excellent defence against cold temperatures and frozen pipes. To make sure your pipes are well-insulated, close crawl space vents and stuff insulation over the openings.
3. Periodically, open your bathroom and kitchen cabinets to keep warm air circulating around your plumbing. If your bathroom pipes run along an outside exterior wall, try keeping the vanity doors open to allow heat inside. If you’re anticipating a deep freeze, consider using a fan to help circulate the air near the pipes, or purchase a small space heater for some extra temporary heat.
4. Run water from every valve throughout your house regularly to prevent freezing. Running water, even a small trickle, carries more internal energy than standing water. Because of the friction created by the constant movement, moving water produces a small amount of heat and is harder to freeze than standing. By just leaving a few faucets running, the movement will help prevent ice blockages from forming in your plumbing.
5. Finally, know where your main waterline shut-off is before problems arise. Depending on the age of your house, it can be inside a garage, basement or laundry room, or underground in your yard. After turning the water off, turn on faucets to allow the water to drain and release the pressure in your pipes.
Worried about your plumbing this winter? Do not hesitate to reach out. Severson provides both residential and commercial plumbing service and repair for the entire Central Oregon region including Bend, Redmond, LaPine, Prineville, and Madras. Our service team of plumbers and dispatcher are efficient, experienced, and dedicated to getting to customers with emergencies the same day they call for help. Contact us today at 541-382-3720.
Welcome to Severson Plumbing
Severson Plumbing & Mechanical
Founded in 1977, Severson Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. has been serving Central Oregon with quality plumbing services including new commercial construction as well as service and repair. Owners Dave and Elaine Severson attribute the success and longevity of their business to the values they consistently apply regardless of downturns in the local economy which make maintaining quality of business more difficult.
Severson Plumbing provides professional estimating, installation, repair, and service to all customers. We are dedicated to providing dependable long lasting plumbing in commercial, industrial, and residential facilities. Our team of installers are ready to tackle any project with experience that comes from years on the job. We offer prompt customer service for all our clients, no job too big or too small!