On a cold day, it’s comforting to hear the stove begin to heat the house. However, if your heating system does not shut down properly, you may be concerned about issues such as excessive energy consumption or heater stress. If it is not turned off, the system will overheat and possibly damage individual components.
Fortunately, a quick call to K2 Heating and Air Conditioning can help. We can come to your home anytime or at night to inspect your stove and Repair most minor issues on the spot to make your home more comfortable. Our NATE-certified technicians will repair your furnace and keep your space at the proper temperature.
Also check: How To Fix A Whistling Furnace?
Why Does The Furnace Sometimes Fail To Turn Off Properly?
Furnaces and thermostats are designed to turn off when the desired temperature in the room is reached. However, these issues can arise if this normal process is not followed.
1. Incorrect Thermostat Configuration:
Check your thermostat first if it is not turning off as it should. HVAC systems are frequently turned on without your knowledge by other family members, or the system may be improperly programmed. When the temperature setting is significantly higher than the current temperature, the stove will work as hard as it can to heat the room. When inspecting your thermostat, there are a few things to look for.
- The temperature in the room: Examine your thermostat settings to see how they are configured. Ensure your device’s temperature is not set too high and adjust it to your liking.
- Furnace response: If the settings are correct, lower the desired temperature manually and turn off the furnace. If the furnace stops working, you may have set the appliance too high; if the blower continues to run, try turning the unit “off” from the heater to see if that helps.
2. Incorrect Fan Settings:
Furnace fan motors are designed to work with air conditioners and furnaces, but they can also function independently. A fan can be used to circulate air throughout the house. This is useful after cleaning carpets or filtering the air in a room. However, it is critical to check your thermostat to ensure that the blower unit is not set to run continuously. This can increase energy consumption. There are a few things to look into here.
- Locate the thermostat’s fan setting. There should be two options: “ON” and “AUTO.”
- If the furnace does not turn off, check to see if the fan thermostat is set to “on.”
The furnace fan will only run for one heating cycle if the switch is set to “AUTO.” If the blower motor is left on, the air conditioner or stove will appear to produce and distribute cool air when the unit is blowing, even if there is no active heat cycle.
3. Dust On The Air Filter:
Convection furnaces and heat pumps use air handling units to circulate air throughout your home, so filters are used to remove dust and debris. A clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to work harder than it should. Fortunately, you can avoid the issue by replacing the air filter. Here are some instructions for replacing your air filter.
- Remove the old filter from the compartment by opening the access door and taking the old filter out of the filter compartment.
- Replace the filter in the filter compartment with a new filter of the same dimensions. Follow the arrows on the frame to ensure that the filters are properly positioned.
- Remove the dirty filter and, if necessary, replace the filter compartment access cover.
If your system has a washable filter, lay it flat, dirty side up, and vacuum the debris away. To remove any remaining particles, rinse the filter with water. Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it on your device.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
A thermostat monitors the temperature in your home and turns on or off the heating system as needed. To inspect and tighten the thermostat wiring, do the following:
- Turn off the power to the HVAC system at the circuit breaker.
- Take off the thermostat cover to access the internal wiring.
- Examine for any loose wires. Some cables may have connectors that are improperly seated or pinched. With a flat-bladed screwdriver, slide the cable aside to loosen it and tighten the cable connection.
- Replace the thermostat’s cover and turn it back on.
If tightening the wires does not solve the problem, a new thermostat may be necessary. The thermostat’s sensors and sensitive components can fail. A complete replacement is the most cost-effective solution. Many new thermostats include features that homeowners will appreciate and that may even improve energy efficiency.
When Should You Schedule Repairs?
If you’ve tried everything and your furnace is still running, give us a call. K2 Heating and Air Conditioning can inspect your furnace for a faulty limit switch, compressor contacts, or a faulty blower unit and repair the problem to keep your furnace safe. Please contact us if you require assistance with your system.
Also check: 4 Signs of a Furnace Gas Leak
FAQs
Why is my furnace still on even though the thermostat is turned off?
When the thermostat is turned off, the radiators turn on. Heat will rise through your central heating system if the anti-gravity valve is broken or blocked and not doing its job of stopping natural convection. Even if your thermostat is turned off, your radiators will be turned on.
Why is my furnace running all the time?
The most common cause of furnaces running constantly is a dirty furnace filter. The air filter collects dust, pet hair, and debris that could harm the furnace and prevents it from reaching the heat exchanger. When the filter becomes clogged, it restricts airflow across the heat exchanger, causing it to overheat!
What should you do if your furnace refuses to turn off?
Examine Your Thermostat. Don’t get too worked up if your furnace won’t turn off. The first step is to check the thermostat. Check to see if your fan is turned on or off. If it’s set to On, try setting it to Auto, which will turn off the fan when the temperature reaches the desired level.
What could be causing my furnace not to shut off?
If your furnace will not turn off, you most likely have one of the following problems:
- Thermostat malfunction.
- The air filter is filthy.
- The blower is broken.
