Living in Florida, we constantly hear about how this is the Sunshine State, land of the eternal summer. And while it’s true compared to the rest of the nation, we do have times of year when the temperatures will drop as low as the high 20s.
We don’t even have to go to below freezing temperatures to feel like frost is starting to course through our veins. Let it go down to the 50s and see flip-flop wearing, sun loving Floridians rush to turn on their heater.
But what if once you flip that switch, hot cocoa in hand, you realize the vents are blowing cold air?
Luckily for you, we’re listing some of the most common reasons this happens.
1. Tripped Circuit Breaker
If too many electronics or appliances are being used at the same time at your home, one of your circuit breakers may shut off. This is to avoid an electricity overload and potential fire.
If one of the breakers that provides power to your heater trips, your heater may either not blow hot air (or even turn on at all). Before freaking out about that cold air, check to see if you need to reset a breaker.
2. Your Thermostat Needs New Batteries
There are several reasons your thermostat might not read the temperature correctly: The issue could be as simple as needing new batteries. You can find out by testing your thermostat.
3. Your Thermostat Is Installed in a Warm Room
A more complex situation would be if your thermostat is located in a room that’s warmer than the rest of your home, like the kitchen or laundry room. If this is the case, your thermostat is going to read the temperature within that warmer room. If this is the case, you’ll need to move it to an interior wall in the room where you spend the most time.
4. Your Thermostat Is Not Set to the Right Temperature
This one may seem like a no brainer, but you should still check if that’s what’s going on with your heater. For hot air to start blowing out, the thermostat has to be set at a higher temperature than the temperature inside your home.
Set your temperature to a comfortable setting, and adjust it for when the house is going to be empty for long stretches of time.
5. You Need to Change Your Air Filters
This is one of the most common causes for AC and heater problems, yet it’s one of the ones that’s easily preventable and fixable. Dirty air filters restrict airflow. In the winter, this can cause your furnace to overheat.
Make changing your filters as common as doing laundry and doing the dishes, because it’s just as necessary to make your home habitable.
6. Your Ducts May Be Clogged or Cracked
The air ducts in your home carry hot air from the furnace to your vents. If they’re clogged, cracked, or have any type of leak, you won’t get warm air when you turn on your heater.
Some of the signs that you may need to get your ducts repaired are the following:
– Weird noises when you turn on your AC or heater
– Cold air when you turn on your heater
– Higher than usual electricity bills when you haven’t increased usage
7. The Pilot Light Is Out
If you have an older furnace, it probably needs a pilot light. This is that small little blue flame that ignites the burners.
You can restart it yourself by following these simple instructions, or you could call us to do it for you. That way you’re not stressing out about whether you’re doing it right.
Call Blair’s Air for Help
If you’re freezing at home because your heater isn’t working properly, let us help you. Whether it’s an air duct repair or switching the location of your thermostat, we’ll gladly show up and get it done.
Contact us to request a quote. We’ll get your heater back up and running in no time.
Call (727) 800-4148 to schedule service.
