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Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air? 

Author: Justin Penny
September 2, 2026

The last thing you need or want to deal with in the middle of an Alberta winter is a broken furnace. Sometimes, a malfunctioning heating system just needs a quick fix to start blowing warm air – so here are a couple of things you can check before scheduling emergency service.  

If the simple checks do not restore your heat, our furnace repair team in Edmonton can help. 

Check the Thermostat and Fan Settings 

Make sure the thermostat is set to “Heat” and the temperature is set above the current room temperature. Then check the fan setting. When it is set to “On,” the blower can circulate room-temperature air between heating cycles. Setting it to “Auto” means the fan should run when the furnace is heating. 

Air may also feel cooler for a short time when the furnace first starts. Give it a few minutes and check whether it warms up. If the vents continue to blow cold air while the thermostat is calling for heat, something else may be interrupting the heating cycle. 

Check the Filter and Airflow 

Take a look at the furnace filter and replace it if it is dirty, using the type recommended for your system. Check that supply vents and return air grilles are open and clear of furniture or other obstructions. 

A clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause some furnaces to shut off the heat as a protective measure while the fan continues to run. Changing the filter may help, but if the furnace keeps shutting down, we need to find out why. 

Note What the Furnace Does Next 

Does it try to start several times? Do you feel warm air briefly before it turns cold? Is there a flashing light or error code on the furnace? Write down what you notice, but leave the panels and gas components to a technician. 

A furnace blowing cold air can have several causes, but when it’s freezing outside and these quick checks don’t help, give Hydro-Flo a call! We can inspect the system, explain what has failed and discuss the repair before work begins. 

Remember: If you smell gas, leave the building and contact your gas utility or emergency services from outside. 

780-203-2230 

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