Why Won’t My Furnace Stop Running?
Is your heating system blowing air nonstop? If so, you’re probably feeling a bit concerned. First, your house most likely feels like an oven. On top of that, your utility bill will be considerably higher with your furnace running constantly. The system could even sustain damage due to excessive work, leading to the need for furnace repair.
Believe it or not, this is a fairly common problem. Adams Heating & Cooling explains what can cause this issue and what you can do before calling our Indian Hill and Cincinnati furnace repair team.
Troubleshoot Before Calling for Furnace Repair Service
Before calling Adams Heating & Cooling for furnace repair services, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take that may resolve the issue. Check these things before you reach out to us for furnace repair and you may be able to save some time and money!
1. Make Sure You’re Using the Right Thermostat Settings
Be sure your thermostat is set to a reasonable temperature. The Department of Energy recommends keeping it at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter to save on utility costs. If you set your thermostat to ultra-high temperatures, this may cause it to run constantly. Turning heating systems up really high doesn’t actually heat your home faster, but you may forget you made this adjustment, which will cause your furnace to run much longer than what’s actually necessary.
Additionally, be sure to set your thermostat’s fan setting to AUTO instead of ON. The ON setting causes the fan within your heating and cooling systems to run constantly, instead of only while the gas furnace or air conditioner is running. If you’re using the ON setting, it will seem like your furnace is constantly running and even blowing cold air, but in reality, it’s just the fan.
2. Check the Air Filter
If you haven’t changed your furnace filter in a while, this could be the source of the problem. Over time, dust and debris clog your filter. This constricts airflow, which means the furnace has to work extra hard to maintain the desired temperature. Depending on how clogged the filter is, it may have your unit running nonstop.
Replace the filter if it’s dirty and see if that causes the furnace to run normal cycles, which is typically around 10 to 15 minutes during cold weather. If your heating system still seems to be running nonstop after changing the filter, it’s time to call us for furnace repairs.
3. Examine Vents and Ductwork
Blocked vents can restrict airflow, forcing the furnace to run continuously to heat the home. While you may have heard at some point that closing air vents in unused spaces can save you money on energy costs, it’s actually not recommended because standard heating and air conditioning systems are designed to heat or cool the entire home. Ensure all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed.
Air escaping through leaks in the ducts may prevent the furnace from properly heating the home, causing it to run longer because not enough warm air is reaching your living areas to achieve the desired temperature. Check for leaks or blockages in the ductwork and seal them if you’re able to reach them to keep warm air properly flowing into your home.
4. Look for Drafts or Insulation Issues
If your home isn’t retaining heat well, the furnace will run continuously to maintain the set temperature and make up for the heat loss. Check for drafts around doors and windows or inadequate insulation.
Adding weatherstripping, sealing air leaks, and improving insulation throughout your home can help your furnace run more efficiently and reduce the amount of time it has to run to heat your home properly.
Heating Repair Issues That Can Cause a Furnace to Constantly Run
If none of the previous steps worked, schedule a repair with us at Adams Heating & Cooling. Here are some of the common potential problems requiring professional furnace repair that cause a furnace to run nonstop:
Leaky Ducts
If any of your ducts are punctured or blocked, this means heat isn’t being circulated properly by the HVAC system. You’re losing heat and losing money due to higher utility bills at the end of the month because your furnace has to work longer to deliver the heat you need.
A heating services technician can run a thermal analysis to determine the location of the leaks. They will seal any leaks in the duct system to improve airflow, helping your furnace heat your home more effectively without running non-stop.
Blower Motor Malfunction
A blower motor that’s stuck in the “on” position can cause the furnace blower to run continuously, even when the furnace is not actively heating. Adams Heating & Cooling will check the blower motor and the control board that manages it. If the motor is faulty or the control system is malfunctioning, we will repair or replace the components as needed, restoring proper furnace operation.
Thermostat Malfunction
Your thermostat is the brain of the operation. When it sends the wrong information to your furnace, a number of things can go bad. Your thermostat could be producing an inaccurate temperature reading or failing to properly signal the furnace to stop running, causing the furnace to work longer than necessary.
The technicians at Adams Heating & Cooling can inspect the thermostat wiring and settings to ensure it’s calibrated and functioning properly. If the thermostat is old or defective, they can replace it with a modern, programmable model for more precise control over your home’s temperature.
Limit Switch Failure
The limit switch is a safety device that prevents the furnace from overheating. If it malfunctions, it can keep the blower running even when the heating cycle is finished, so it seems like the furnace is running even though it’s not generating heat.
The skilled furnace repair technicians at Adams Heating & Cooling will test the limit switch and determine if it’s defective. If necessary, they will replace the switch to ensure it correctly regulates the blower’s operation.
Dirty Burners
The burners in a gas furnace release natural gas that is ignited to produce heat. When these burners become dirty or clogged, it can significantly affect the performance of your furnace, often causing it to run longer than necessary due to inefficient combustion. .
The furnace repair team at Adams Heating & Cooling will carefully clean the furnace burners, removing any dust, soot, or debris that may be clogging the burner ports. Regular cleaning is an essential part of furnace maintenance that ensures the burners are producing a clean and efficient flame for optimal heating. We’ll also inspect them for any signs of damage or corrosion, and replace burners if necessary.
Furnace Is Undersized
An incorrectly sized furnace may lead to continuous operation. While an oversized furnace can cycle on and off too frequently, an undersized furnace may struggle to reach the desired temperature, causing it to run longer than it should.
Adams Heating & Cooling can perform a comprehensive load calculation to assess whether your furnace is the appropriate size for your home. If your furnace isn’t the right size, HVAC repair won’t fix this issue, unfortunately. We can recommend and install a new furnace that matches your home’s heating needs for optimal efficiency.
Furnace Repair Services in Indian Hill, OH
If your furnace is running constantly, it’s a sign that something is wrong, and ignoring the problem could lead to higher energy bills or even a complete system breakdown. Instead of waiting for a small issue to turn into a major heating repair, reach out to the trusted experts at Adams Heating & Cooling for professional furnace repair in Indian Hill, OH. Our team will diagnose the issue and restore your furnace’s efficiency, ensuring your home stays comfortable all winter long. Don’t let a minor furnace problem cost you more in the long run! We want our neighbors to come home to a happy, healthy furnace every night this season. To restore your unit to optimal condition, call Adams Heating & Cooling or contact us online to request furnace repair in Indian Hill, OH, and the surrounding areas. We also provide emergency furnace repair services in the event of sudden heating system issues.