Nothing’s worse than expecting cozy warmth from your heater—only to get a chilly blast instead! If your heater’s blowing cold air or not working, don’t stress. Before calling a repair service, try these five simple troubleshooting tips to get your heat back on in your Riverside, CA home.
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings First
Your thermostat controls your heater, so it’s the first place to look. A simple setting tweak might solve the problem:
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Ensure it’s set to “Heat” (not “Fan” or “Cool”).
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Verify the temperature is set above the current room temp—otherwise, the heater won’t start.
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Replace batteries if it’s battery-powered; weak batteries can disrupt operation.
Still getting cold air? Let’s dig deeper into your heating system.
2. Dirty Air Filters: A Common Heater Problem
A clogged air filter can cut your heater’s efficiency by up to 15%, restricting airflow and causing overheating. This triggers a safety shutdown, leaving you with cold air.
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Fix: Replace your air filter every 90 days—or every 1-2 months if you have pets or allergies, or live in a dusty Riverside area like near the Santa Ana River.
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Tip: Check your filter monthly to catch issues early.
Filter looks clean? The issue might lie elsewhere—read on!
3. Pilot Light or Ignition Failure in Gas Furnaces
For gas heaters, a faulty pilot light or ignition system could explain the cold air:
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Check: If the pilot light is out, relight it per your furnace manual.
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Warning: If it won’t stay lit, a bad thermocouple or gas issue might be to blame—call a pro.
Fixed the pilot but still chilly? Ducts could be next.
4. Leaky Ducts Stealing Your Heat
Leaky ductwork lets warm air escape before it reaches your rooms. Watch for:
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Uneven heating across your home.
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Rising energy bills with no extra usage.
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Solution: Hire a technician to inspect and seal ducts, boosting efficiency for Riverside’s cold snaps.
Ducts sealed but still cold? One last check.
5. Furnace Overheating: Why it Shuts Down
If your furnace is overheating, it may shut down its heating components while the blower keeps running, pushing out cold air.
An overheating furnace may shut off its burners while the blower pushes cold air. Causes include:
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Dirty filters (check them again!).
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Blocked vents or registers—keep furniture clear.
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Mechanical wear needing expert care.
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Prevention: Schedule annual maintenance with Polar Express Heating & Air to avoid breakdowns.
Still Feeling Cold? Call Riverside’s Heater Experts
If these steps don’t fix your heater, don’t shiver through another night. Polar Express Heating & Air specializes in fast, reliable repairs for Riverside, CA homeowners.
📞 Call 951-364-3108 for a heater inspection today!
📍 Serving Riverside and nearby areas.
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