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While San Antonio’s winters are mild compared to some other parts of the country—with average lows still dipping into the 40s and the occasional freeze—having a reliable heating system is absolutely essential for comfort and safety. Nothing disrupts that peace of mind quite like realizing your heater is blowing cold air or won't turn on at all.
As your local, woman- and family-owned HVAC experts, Westerly Air understands the urgency of a broken heater. Before you call for an emergency repair, here are a few common heating issues you can troubleshoot yourself to potentially restore warmth to your home or business.
Simple Fixes for a Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If your heating system is running but failing to warm your North San Antonio home, the fix might be a lot simpler than you think. This issue is a frequent complaint, and often involves components designed to keep your system—and your family—safe.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
The simplest culprit is often the thermostat. First, ensure the system is set to “Heat” and not “Cool.” Then, verify that the fan setting is on "Auto" and not "On." When the fan is set to "On," it blows continuously, even when the furnace isn't actively heating the air, leading to blasts of cold, unconditioned air that make your home feel chilly. Switching it to "Auto" ensures the fan only runs while warm air is being produced.
Replace a Clogged Air Filter
A dirty or clogged air filter restricts the crucial airflow your furnace needs to operate efficiently. When airflow is blocked, the heat exchanger can overheat, causing a safety mechanism called the limit switch to shut down the burners. The fan, however, may continue to run, cycling only cold air through your home. Replacing a dirty air filter every one to three months is a simple maintenance step that dramatically improves efficiency and often solves this cold-air problem in San Antonio homes.
Pilot Light or Ignition Issues
For gas furnaces, a common issue—especially in older models—is a faulty pilot light or ignition system. If the pilot light is out, the burners won't ignite, and no heat will be generated. Modern furnaces use electronic ignition, which can also fail due to mechanical or electrical issues. While some homeowners are comfortable relighting a pilot light, persistent failures or issues with an electronic ignition system require the specialized knowledge and tools of a professional technician.
Dealing with Uneven or Insufficient Heat
If your system is heating, but certain rooms feel significantly colder than others, or the heat isn't reaching your set temperature, the problem often relates to distribution or wear and tear.
Inspect Your Vents and Registers
Take a walk through your Stone Oak, Boerne, or Timberwood Park property and check every single air vent. Ensure none are closed or blocked by furniture, rugs, or drapes. Restricted airflow forces your system to work harder, decreasing its efficiency and leading to the uneven heating you’re experiencing. Making sure all vents are open and clear is a quick, zero-cost step to better home comfort.
When to Call a Professional for Heating Repair in San Antonio
When the quick fixes fail to restore warmth, or if you notice strange noises, odors, or a sudden spike in your utility bills, it is time to call your local HVAC contractor. Complex issues like a broken blower motor, faulty ductwork that is leaking warm air into your attic, or problems within the heat exchanger require professional diagnostic tools and training.
At Westerly Air, we are dedicated to providing fast, transparent, and reliable HVAC service. When you need expert heating repair in San Antonio, trust our family-owned team to treat your home with respect and provide a tailored solution that gets your heat back on quickly. Don't wait to call for help—we offer same-day and 24/7 emergency service. Contact us at (210) 361-2722 for a thorough inspection and dependable repair that restores lasting comfort.