HVAC Blowing Cold Air In Winter: Tips and Tricks

Professional Services
December 10, 2022

During the winter, we depend on our heating systems. Unfortunately, an HVAC system blowing cold air in winter leads to many frustrations. Besides creating chilly mornings, a system blowing cold air can indicate greater issues, like a broken heat exchanger. 


Issues like faulty parts and needing to be replaced in your unit are all possibilities. A malfunctioning HVAC system can result in significant repairs, higher energy bills, and frozen or bursting pipes. 


West Bend's HVAC professionals will explore tips and tricks for diagnosing and fixing your system that is blowing cold air. 


You Have a Dirty or Clogged Filter

For some issues, you'll need to call a professional HVAC company to have them resolve them. Fortunately, many homeowners can handle dirty air filters themselves. 


Your HVAC system is responsible for circulating cold or warm air throughout your home. During this process, your system's filter will pick up pollutants like: 


  • Dust
  • Dirt and debris 
  • Pet dander
  • Smoke
  • Food particles 
  • Allergens 
  • Mold spores
  • And more


Your filter's primary goal is to prevent these harmful pollutants from circulating. Over time, however, your air filter becomes dirty or clogged. This process can result in parts wearing down quicker, with condenser and evaporator coils being the most prone to damage.


So, how often should you change your furnace filter? These damaged parts may trigger your HVAC system only to blow cold air. The good news is that replacing a dirty air filter (or cleaning it if you have a permanent air filter) is generally straightforward. Aim to replace your air filter at least every 90 days or as needed.


You Have Your HVAC System In Defrost Mode 

A heat pump's primary role is to capture heat from the air and transport it somewhere else. During winter, your heat pump condenses outdoor air, heating it to warm your home. Unfortunately, ice can form on your outdoor unit, triggering your pump to turn to defrost mode. 


Defrost mode means your HVAC system will directly capture warm air to melt the frost on your outdoor unit. Regularly clearing frost and ice from your outdoor unit can prevent this issue. Aim for roughly two or three feet of clearance around your outdoor unit. 


Your Outdoor Unit Is Dirty 

Your HVAC system blowing cold air in winter can also result from having a dirty outdoor unit. Dirty, clogged, or blocked coils restrict your outdoor unit's ability to gather warm air from outside. This process often results in your HVAC unit blowing cold air.


It's possible to clean your outdoor unit yourself, but sometimes, it's better to let a professional team handle this process. The right team will also inspect your HVAC system for other issues. However, it's essential to address any potential problems promptly, as a dirty filter can indeed stop a furnace from working efficiently. Regular maintenance and filter replacement can help prevent such issues and keep your furnace running smoothly during the winter months.


Your Thermostat Settings 

When your HVAC system only blows cold air, it's crucial not to panic. Many times, you may have issues with your thermostat settings. For example, turning your thermostat to cooling while cleaning or dusting is easy. Your fan setting may also be on, blowing out cold air. 


Managing older thermostat systems can also be challenging. It's easy to forget to turn the heat on when arriving home or off when leaving. A smart thermostat eliminates many headaches, allowing you to remotely control your home's temperature. 


You Have Low Refrigerant Levels 

Your heating system relies on refrigerant to heat your house. When liquid refrigerant evaporates, it turns into a gas, bringing in heat from the air. Your system then transports this warm air during winter, keeping you and your family toasty and comfortable. 


However, refrigerant can disappear rapidly if your HVAC system leaks. Generally speaking, you should never have to replace refrigerant levels unless there is a leak. Unfortunately, resolving a refrigerant leak isn't a DIY project, as refrigerant harms the atmosphere and your health. 


You Have a Reversing Valve Problem 

Your reversing valve switches your HVAC system from heating to cooling. A malfunctioning reversing valve can trigger it to stay in its cooling mode. A licensed HVAC technician can diagnose this issue and administer repairs. 


You Have an Issue With Your Pilot Light 

If you have a gas-powered furnace, check your system's pilot light. Your pilot light's main objective is igniting your furnace burner to create heat. Your instruction manual generally has instructions for reigniting your pilot light. However, you can also call a professional to help. 


Your Body Is Fooling You 

Occasionally, your body might fool you into believing your HVAC system is blowing cold air when it isn't. For example, the human body's average temperature sits at 98 degrees. However, your heating system produces air cooler than that, tricking your body into thinking the air is still cold. 


It's also important to note that the colder it is outside, the longer it takes your HVAC system to warm your home. Your HVAC system absorbs heat from outdoor air and transports it inside. So, naturally, the less outdoor heat there is, the longer this process takes. 


Sometimes it takes time for your HVAC system to complete this process. You can, however, take a thermostat and place it in your supply vent and then your return vent. The air wafting from your supply vent should sit around 15 to 30 degrees hotter than your return vent. 


You Have Broken Down Parts or Other Maintenance Issues 

Unfortunately, sometimes your system may need repairs or even a total replacement. Regular maintenance can prevent an HVAC from blowing cold air in winter. Of course, there are plenty of other benefits like: 


  • Extending your system's lifespan 
  • Preventing costly repairs down the road 
  • Making your system more energy-efficient, translating into better energy savings 
  • Improving your indoor air quality, preventing issues like mold growth or aggravating allergies 
  • Having peace of mind that everything is working correctly 


Inspecting your heating system at least once a year, right before winter, is recommended. Our professional crew can handle this task. 


Call Professional Services Today 

An HVAC system blowing cold air in winter can lead to many issues. However, our professional technicians can prevent this issue. 


Residents of West Bend, WI, can call Professional Services at 262-214-5548 to schedule an HVAC service. Or read our recent blog to learn how to prevent AC from freezing up in the winter. 

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