It’s freezing outside. You turn on the heat—and cold air blasts from the vents. Why is my furnace blowing cold air in Reno?
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many Reno and Sparks homeowners face this frustrating problem in the dead of winter, asking why their furnace is blowing cold air.
Your furnace blowing cold air can be caused by several issues. Some are quick fixes. Others require a professional touch.
Here’s what might be going on—and what you should do next.
1. Your Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly
First, check your thermostat settings.
Is it set to “ON” instead of “AUTO”? That’s a common mistake.
When it’s on “ON,” the blower runs constantly, even when the furnace isn’t heating.
Switch it to “AUTO” to ensure it only blows warm air, and not cold air like furnaces sometimes do in Reno.
2. The Furnace Filter Is Clogged
A dirty filter can restrict airflow.
This causes the furnace to overheat and shut down the burner.
It’ll still blow air—but it won’t be warm, which is a common problem with furnaces blowing cold air in Reno.
Replacing your filter every 1–3 months can prevent this.
3. Your Furnace Overheated
If your system is blowing cold air and then shuts off completely, it may have overheated.
This often results from restricted airflow or failing components.
Most modern furnaces have a safety shutoff that disables the burner to prevent damage. If your furnace is blowing cold air, call a licensed technician if this keeps happening.
4. Your Pilot Light or Ignitor Failed
Older gas furnaces use a pilot light. Newer models have electronic ignitors.
If either fails, the furnace can’t heat the air.
You’ll get nothing but a cold draft through the vents.
If you’re not sure how to relight your pilot, don’t risk it and you wonder why is my furnace blowing cold air Reno?. Call for help.
5. The Furnace Is Too Old
Furnaces lose efficiency over time.
When your system is 15+ years old, the risk of failure increases—especially during extreme cold.
Older parts wear out, and the furnace may struggle to heat your home.
Sometimes, it cycles on and off without fully heating the air, leaving you in Reno wondering why cold air blows.
6. Ductwork Problems or Leaks
Even if your furnace is running properly, damaged ducts can let warm air escape.
This leads to rooms staying cold while the system works harder.
Proper duct inspection and sealing can restore comfort and cut your energy bills if you notice the cold air in Reno.
7. Fuel or Electrical Issues
If your gas supply is low or disconnected, your furnace won’t heat.
Electric furnaces can trip breakers or have faulty heating elements.
Always check your breaker box or gas valve first. If you’re still cold in Reno from the furnace blowing air, time to call the pros.
Why Choose Paramount Heating and Air Conditioning?
- We are locally owned and operated, unlike many big-name companies who send profits out of state.
- We’re a small, family-run business, committed to our Reno and Sparks neighbors.
- Thousands of local homeowners trust us for their furnace and AC needs, year after year.
- We’re fast, friendly, and honest, offering transparent pricing and real solutions.
- We service all brands and models, from older units to today’s high-efficiency systems.
- Same-day service available, so you don’t have to freeze while waiting for help.
Learn more about how the team at Paramount Heating and Air Conditioning can get your furnace fixed and stop the cold air from blowing this 2026 Reno winter by clicking the button below!
Don’t Wait—Call Before It Gets Worse
When your furnace starts blowing cold air, act quickly.
Small issues often grow into big, expensive problems if ignored.
Whether it’s a dirty filter, worn-out part, or an aging furnace, we’re here to help.
We proudly serve Reno, Sparks, and surrounding Northern Nevada communities. Get your furnace fixed so it’s not blowing cold air in Reno.
Stay warm this winter. Call Paramount Heating and Air Conditioning today for expert furnace repair, maintenance, or replacement. Give us a call today at 775-309-4222 or click the button below to book an appointment online!
