Furnace Blowing Cold Air in Follansbee? 7 Common Causes and What to Do Next

Quick Answer

If your furnace is blowing cold air in Follansbee, start with the basics: thermostat on HEAT, fan on AUTO, and a clean filter. If those are fine but the air’s still chilly, you could be dealing with a faulty ignitor, clogged flame sensor, or moisture-related airflow issue—especially common in riverfront homes. Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can diagnose the cause and get your heat back fast.

When That Ohio River Wind Cuts Through Follansbee

When that Ohio River wind cuts through Follansbee in January, cold air from your furnace feels more than inconvenient—it feels personal. Whether you live in Hooverson Heights or closer to downtown, waking up to a cold house can ruin the morning.

I’m Alex Largent, owner of Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. For over 20 years, I’ve been helping Follansbee homeowners fix heating problems the right way—no games, no gimmicks, just clear answers. From older basements on Allegheny Street to newer installs off Chapline Hill, I’ve seen every cause for a furnace blowing cold air.

Here’s what’s happening, what you can safely check, and when it’s time to bring in a pro.

A Local Story: A Chilly Morning in Hooverson Heights

Last February, a homeowner in Hooverson Heights called because their furnace kept shutting off and only blowing cold air. The problem wasn’t electrical—it was moisture. A partially clogged exhaust vent was causing the furnace to shut down for safety. Once we cleared the vent and installed a moisture drain, the system worked perfectly again.

They didn’t need a new furnace—just an honest fix.

Three Simple Things to Check First

1. Thermostat Settings
   Confirm your thermostat is on HEAT and the fan is set to AUTO. If it’s on ON, the fan will run continuously, pushing out cool air when burners are off.
2. Dirty Filter
   A clogged air filter is one of the most common causes of furnace trouble. It restricts airflow, overheats the furnace, and triggers a safety shutdown. Replace it and wait a few minutes to see if warm air returns.
3. Circuit Breaker
   If your furnace has power but won’t ignite, check your breaker box. Reset any tripped switches labeled Furnace or HVAC.

If none of these solve it, don’t go further—anything involving flame, gas, or wiring should be left to a certified HVAC pro.

7 Common Reasons a Furnace Blows Cold Air

1. Failing Ignitor
   Ignitors wear out over time, especially during long heating seasons. When they fail, the burners won’t light, leaving only cool air.
2. Dirty or Damp Flame Sensor
   In Follansbee’s humid basements, moisture and soot can cause the sensor to misread the flame, shutting off the burners. Cleaning helps but requires disassembly.
3. Gas Valve or Supply Issue
   Closed valves or low gas pressure can prevent ignition. Never adjust these yourself—call a professional.
4. Overheating or Restricted Airflow
   When airflow is blocked by a dirty filter or closed vent, the heat exchanger overheats and triggers a safety shutdown. You’ll feel cool air until the system resets.
5. Control Board or Limit Switch Failure
   Faulty components can cut power to the burners or fan at the wrong time, causing temperature swings or cold air cycles.
6. Moisture-Blocked Venting or Drainage
   Homes near the river sometimes get condensation buildup in exhaust vents or drain lines. When that happens, sensors shut the system down for safety.
7. Undersized or Aging Furnace
   If your furnace can’t keep up on cold nights, it may be too small for your home or simply past its prime.

Follansbee Furnace Repair Cost Snapshot (Verified October 2025)

Diagnostic: $89 for first-time customers, $99 for returning.
Maintenance Members save 15% and skip after-hours fees.
Each new customer receives our LEO the Lion magnet—good for $25 off any future visit.

When to Call a Professional

Call an HVAC technician if:

• The furnace runs but doesn’t heat
• You smell gas or burning odors
• The system turns off soon after starting
• You’ve replaced the filter and checked settings without success

Whoever you hire, demand upfront pricing and clear communication before any work begins. That’s how we operate under our Honest Fix Service Trust Guardian.

Our Service Trust Guardian Guarantee

Every Honest Fix repair includes:

• 5-Year Labor Warranty on covered repairs
• 60-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee
• No Overtime Charges—same rate day or night
• On-Time Arrival or $50 Credit

Our NATE-certified technicians, trained under my supervision, deliver clean, professional service every time.

How to Prevent Cold-Air Furnace Problems

• Replace filters monthly during heavy use
• Keep basement areas dry and vents clear
• Seal duct joints in unheated spaces
• Have your system checked before winter
• If you live near the river, make sure the furnace exhaust vent drains properly

Frequently Asked Questions

What guarantees do you offer?

All Honest Fix repairs are protected by our Service Trust Guardian:

• 5-year labor warranty
• No overtime fees
• 60-day satisfaction guarantee

How much does a furnace repair cost in Follansbee?

Most range from $160–$550, with major components (blower motors or control boards) reaching $2,200+.

Do you charge for diagnostics?

Yes—$89 for first-time customers, $99 for returning. Maintenance Members get 15% off repairs and no after-hours fees. Every new customer receives LEO the Lion, good for $25 off any future visit.

Before You Go

A furnace blowing cold air doesn’t always mean it’s on its last leg. With the right diagnosis, most issues can be resolved quickly and affordably.

At Honest Fix, we don’t guess—we test, explain, and repair what’s needed.