Why Your Furnace Isn’t Blowing Hot Air in Calgary — Common Issues and Quick Fixes

If you’ve lived through even one Calgary winter, you know how fast things get cold when the furnace quits doing its job. I can’t count how many calls I get where someone says, “It’s blowing air, but it’s cold!” So, let’s walk through the usual suspects I see out in the field and what you can check before calling for a repair.

The Thermostat Isn’t Talking to the Furnace

You’d be surprised how often it’s something this simple. I remember a call in Brentwood last January — the homeowner had bumped the thermostat while cleaning, and it was switched to “cool.” It happens.

 Before panicking, double-check the settings. Make sure it’s on “heat” and the temperature is a few degrees above room level. Sometimes the batteries die, too — cheap fix, big relief.

Dirty Furnace Filters — The Silent Trouble-Maker

This one’s a classic. When the filter’s clogged, air can’t move, and your furnace overheats and shuts off to protect itself.

 I’ve pulled out filters that looked like they hadn’t been changed in two years — full of dust and pet hair. Change your filter every 1–3 months, especially during heavy winter use. It makes a huge difference.

Pilot Light or Igniter Problems

Older furnaces use a standing pilot light, while newer ones have electric igniters. Both can fail. I had a call out in Evanston where a customer’s igniter had cracked — no flame, no heat. Replaced it in under an hour, and they were back to cozy.

 If you’re comfortable checking, see if your pilot light is on. If not, that’s when you call for a furnace repair.

Blower Motor or Limit Switch Issues

When you hear the fan running but no warm air, it could be the blower motor or limit switch acting up.

 Last month, I worked on a furnace in Tuscany that kept blowing cool air. The motor was running nonstop because the limit switch failed — a quick replacement fixed it.

When to Think About Furnace Replacement

Sometimes, no amount of fixing helps.

 If your unit’s over 15–20 years old, you might be better off investing in a new furnace installation. 

Older models lose efficiency and struggle to keep up with Calgary’s temperature swings. The good news? Newer systems save a ton on energy bills.

Final Thoughts

Before calling a pro, check the basics — thermostat, filters, and breakers. If it’s still not blowing warm air, that’s where we come in.

At Rapid Response Heating, we’ve seen every kind of furnace issue Calgary can throw at us. Whether it’s a small repair or a full furnace replacement, we’ll make sure you’re not left in the cold.