If you've ever heard yourself saying, "My furnace won't turn off," you're not alone. In most cases, this problem can be traced back to one of the following issues:
No matter the cause, you don't want to ignore the problem. Over time, it can increase your energy costs and result in long-term damage. In this blog, we'll look at these problems and how to solve them.
The pros at Red Cap are ready for the job. Not only can we handle your furnace repair, but we can also help ensure you have the most energy-efficient, effective appliance possible. For courteous, knowledgeable technicians, call us or schedule an estimate online.
When a furnace isn't turning off, you should first check your thermostat settings. Your thermostat is a direct communication line between you and your HVAC system. So, it's possible that your thermostat settings are actually telling your HVAC system to keep running. You'll find a "fan" setting on your thermostat with two options: on and auto. Generally, this should be set to "auto" (the fan only runs when necessary), but if it's set to "on," the fan will run continuously. Switching to the correct settings can solve this problem.
Is your furnace running continuously, but your thermostat settings are correct? If so, you might have one of the following thermostat problems:
Physically bumping the thermostat can change its digital settings and interfere with your thermostat's communication abilities. A wiring issue can also mess with communication. With these problems, it's usually best to turn to the help of an HVAC professional.
While some furnace problems are connected to the thermostat, others are caused by the furnace itself. One common problem is a dirty air filter. Before distributing hot air through your home, your furnace passes it through an air filter. During this process, unwanted particles like dirt and debris are removed.
Over time, these particles can clog up the filter. The furnace will struggle to spread air through your home when this happens. As a result, it will run longer than usual to reach your temperature demands. To avoid this problem, replace your air filters every three months and receive regular furnace maintenance.
Air filters aren't the only furnace parts that can get clogged. Your furnace's vents and pipes — which help eliminate exhaust fumes — can become clogged with anything from leaves and branches to snow and ice. Even a small blockage can prevent your furnace from heating properly. To fulfill your heating needs, the furnace will simply continue running.
Do you have a furnace that won't shut off, even when the thermostat is off? If so, you might have a faulty blower. The blower is a furnace part responsible for pulling in cold air. Once the air is heated, the blower pushes it back out.
The blower's motor is connected to a limit switch, which tells the furnace when to turn on and off. If the limit switch breaks, your furnace will not know when it's supposed to run. Thus, it might run at random times, even if the thermostat is off. Unfortunately, a broken limit switch cannot be solved with at-home repairs — you'll need to contact an HVAC professional.
Last but not least, furnace problems can be caused by leaky air ducts. When your furnace's air ducts leak, you lose valuable hot air. To compensate for it, your furnace will begin producing more hot air, causing it to run longer than usual. Here are some signs you have leaking air ducts:
When you notice any of these signs, contact an HVAC company like Red Cap Plumbing, Air & Electric.
When it comes to 5-star furnace repairs, the Red Cap team delivers. We promise convenient scheduling, friendly technicians, and personalized customer service with every repair. Call us or schedule an estimate online today.