Why Is Your Subaru Car Heater Blowing Cold Air?

As a Subaru owner, you expect your car’s heating system to keep you warm and cozy during the colder months. However, if your heater starts blowing cold air, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable, especially when you need warmth the most. Fortunately, several reasons can cause this problem, and you can fix most of them easily.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the possible reasons why your Subaru car heater is blowing cold air and how to troubleshoot them.

Thermostat Failure

One of the most common reasons for a Subaru car heater blowing cold air is a faulty thermostat. The thermostat controls the flow of coolant through the engine and regulates the temperature. When the thermostat fails, it can get stuck in the open position, causing the engine to run cooler than normal. As a result, your car’s heating system won’t generate enough heat to warm up the cabin.

To fix this issue, you’ll need to replace the thermostat. You can do this yourself if you’re a DIY enthusiast, or you can take your car to a mechanic. A new thermostat typically costs between $20 and $50, and the labor charges can range from $100 to $250.

Low Coolant Levels

Another possible reason why your Subaru car heater is blowing cold air is low coolant levels. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is a fluid that circulates through the engine and absorbs heat. It then transfers the heat to the radiator, where it’s released into the air. If the coolant levels are low, your car’s heating system won’t have enough hot fluid to generate warm air.

You can check the coolant levels by opening the hood and looking at the coolant reservoir. If the levels are low, you can top them up with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. However, if you notice that the coolant levels keep decreasing, there could be a leak in the system, and you should take your car to a mechanic for a thorough checkup.

Clogged Heater Core

A clogged heater core is another possible reason why your Subaru car heater is blowing cold air. The heater core is a small radiator located under the dashboard that’s responsible for generating hot air. Over time, the heater core can become clogged with debris and dirt, reducing its ability to generate heat.

To fix this issue, you’ll need to flush the heater core. You can do this yourself if you have some mechanical knowledge and the right tools. Alternatively, you can take your car to a mechanic and have them perform the flush for you. The cost of a heater core flush can range from $50 to $100.

Broken Heater Fan

If your Subaru car heater is blowing cold air and you can’t hear the fan blowing, there could be an issue with the heater fan. The fan is responsible for blowing air over the heater core and into the cabin. If it’s broken, it won’t be able to push hot air into the cabin, resulting in cold air blowing from the vents.

To fix this issue, you’ll need to replace the heater fan. You can do this yourself if you have the right tools and knowledge, or you can take your car to a mechanic. The cost of a new heater fan can range from $50 to $200, and the labor charges can range from $100 to $250.

A Subaru car heater blowing cold air can be a frustrating problem, but it’s usually easy to fix. By understanding the possible causes of this issue, you can troubleshoot the problem and get your car’s heating system back to working correctly.