Restricted Airflow Due to Clogged Air Filters

It can be worrisome if your furnace won’t turn off. Here are some of the top causes of a heater that runs continuously. Changing your HVAC system’s air filters is one of the easiest tasks that you can do yourself to maintain the efficiency of your system. Making sure you have clean air filters ensures the unit is getting adequate airflow. Without adequate airflow going into the heating system, not enough heated air is reaching the rooms in your house. This makes it near impossible for the furnace to warm your home to the temperature you have set in the thermostat. If your set temperature is never reached, the thermostat won’t tell the furnace to turn off. Hence, it will keep running continuously.

A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of a furnace that won’t turn off. So, check this first before calling in the experts. A dirty air filter also negatively impacts your indoor air quality. You should check your air filter at least once a month. On average, you’ll need to change or clean your air filter once every three months. If you have pets, then you’ll need to do this on a monthly basis.

Malfunctioning or Broken Thermostat

If your thermostat isn’t working properly, it will either not register the temperature of the house correctly or not be working at all. If the thermostat can’t register the indoor temperature, then it won’t know when to shut off the furnace. It might think it’s colder in the house than it really is, and your furnace will run continuously.

Your thermostat could also have a faulty control board and need to be replaced altogether. An expert HVAC technician can troubleshoot and fix this problem for you. One thing that you should check before calling in the professionals is the setting on your thermostat. Many have both an “On” and “Auto” setting. If the thermostat is set to the “On” position, the blower fan will keep running continuously whether or not the system is actually producing heated air.

Faulty Blower Fan Motor

A faulty blower motor can also be the cause of your furnace running continuously. A faulty or broken blower motor will bring in and blow out an inadequate amount of air, if any at all. This results in your house not being warmed properly. Hence, your thermostat will not tell the furnace to turn off because the set temperature is never reached.

There are several signs that indicate your blower motor is faulty, including:

• Little to no airflow coming from vents
• Unusually high energy bills
• Strange noises when the furnace kicks on
• The smell of something overheating

A blower motor that’s caked with dust or not working properly will have to work harder to get the job done. This increases its energy use and your energy bill. An expert from Bruce Heating & Air will be able to troubleshoot this issue and determine if it’s the blower motor causing problems.

Leaky Ductwork

High energy bills and a continuously running furnace could also indicate a major leak in your ductwork. When ductwork becomes damaged or ages, it can form cracks and holes. Heated air will escape through these holes. This makes it so that your home never reaches the temperature you have set on the thermostat, which results in the furnace running continuously. These cracks and holes can also let in allergens that are then dispersed throughout your house, reducing your indoor air quality significantly. Another risk of ductwork that has holes or cracks is that pests can make their way in and build nests, create waste, and even die. This can create unpleasant smells from your vents and also worsen allergy symptoms.

If you have old ductwork or never had it inspected, you should do so to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and your indoor air quality. If you’re in the market for an upgrade, consider opting for a highly efficient ductless system.

Your Local Experts

The team at Bruce Mechanical takes your comfort and safety seriously. We’ve been serving residents of Kennewick, WA, for over 30 years. We also have offices that serve Hermiston, OR, and Littleton, CO. Our company offers residential heating and cooling services. You can look to us for water heater and fireplace services as well. When it comes to commercial services, we have you covered there, too. To learn more about our full range of services and to schedule an appointment, call Bruce Mechanical today!