It's not unusual for heating systems to have a glitch once in a while. It could be as simple as a broken thermostat or an electrical issue. If your gas furnace won't turn off, here are a few steps you can take to get a properly working furnace again.
Check the Air Filter
A dirty air filter creates problems for many homeowners and their HVAC system. Here's why. It restricts airflow, making your furnace work harder and run longer to satisfy your desired temperature.
This multiplies wear and tear on your furnace, as well as the likelihood of a breakdown and early failure.
It can also make your furnace overheat and shut down for a time to cool off. Then it will keep repeating this process when your furnace turns on. This is called short cycling. In addition to wearing out your furnace faster, it can drive up your heating bill and make your home feel unpleasant.
We encourage replacing flat filters once a month and pleated filters every three months. If you can't remember the last time you got a new furnace filter, pull it out and hold it up to the light. If you can't detect light through your filter, it's too dirty and you should get a new one.
If the matter was linked to a clogged air filter, putting in a clean filter should fix this common issue when your heat won't turn off. If not, we suggest checking your thermostat settings next.
Check the Thermostat
Your thermostat controls your furnace and simply informs the unit when to turn on and off. It's usually to blame when your furnace won't stop running.
Sometimes having the heat turn off is as easy as adjusting an incorrect thermostat setting.
Ensure Your Thermostat is Set to “Auto”
Your thermostat has two settings, “auto” and “on,” that control your heating system's blower motor.
“Auto” means the furnace blower will only operate when the furnace does.
“On” indicates the furnace blower will operate constantly. This constant air flow can help with heat distribution but will also increase your power bill and increase wear and tear on your furnace.
If your thermostat is switched to "on," it will sound like your furnace is not shutting off, but it's really just the furnace blower you're noticing. Changing it to "auto" should solve the problem. It will also help you spend less money on your energy costs.
Check Your Temperature Setting
If your thermostat won't turn off heat, compare the temperature setting to the area temperature. If it's higher than the room air temp, your furnace will keep operating until it hits your desired temp.
Remember that if it's extremely cold outside, your furnace will have to run much longer than normal to keep your home warm. This is because of a big temperature difference between the cold air outside and the warm indoors.
As a check, you can try reducing the setting to match the room. Then, wait a few minutes. This should make the furnace shut off momentarily.
Put in Fresh Batteries
If you have a programmable thermostat, it's likely battery powered. You can test putting in new batteries to see if that solves the problem. If it doesn't or if there's wiring to your electrical system, switch it to "off."
If your furnace won't turn off after you move it to "off," you will need to turn off the power.
Cut the Power
Thermostat appears to be working fine but your furnace still won't turn off? There are two spots you can shut off the power to your heating unit: at the breaker box and at its dedicated power switch.
- Head to your breaker box and find the breaker labeled "furnace." Push the breaker switch to the right to shut off power.
- Next, search for the specific power switch to your heating system. It looks like a light switch and is located on or close to your furnace. Push the switch down to shut off power.
- Your furnace should be turned off now.
If you had to turn off your system at the breaker, call us at 405-432-2197 for professional service, as you may require furnace repair.
What Causes a Furnace to Keep Running?
Sometimes correcting this problem can be as simple as replacing your air filter or changing thermostat settings. In other situations, you might want a professional when your heater won't turn off.
Fan Limit Switch Needs Replacing
The furnace fan limit switch regulates your furnace's blower motor. If the switch goes out, it might sound like your furnace running nonstop, even though just the blower is going.
You might notice a furnace error code if there's a problem with the limit switch. Your furnace will speak through a blinking red light on the front of your heating system.
Our Experts can diagnose and fix any problems you're having with your furnace blower motor. Sometimes this can involve replacement parts, such as the control board, faulty wiring or the fan switch itself.
Defective Thermostat
Like other things in your home, your thermostat can wear out as time passes and need to be replaced. If it's time for a new one, ask us about installing a smart thermostat.
These thermostats make it simple to save energy, because they develop an energy-efficient heating and cooling schedule based on your preferences. Additionally, you'll be able to set and monitor your thermostat from just about anyplace with your phone.
Leaky Air Ducts
Your furnace relies on ductwork to circulate hot air to vents throughout your home. If your home or ductwork is older, your furnace might be operating all the time because the ductwork is leaking hot air in the attic.
Identifying this leaky ductwork and other airflow issues can be challenging to resolve on your own, since it's hidden behind walls and ceilings. Our Experts can help with diagnosing and handling any air duct repair service that you need.
Depend on Our Experts for All Your Furnace Repair Needs
Troubleshooting furnace problems can be annoying, especially when it impacts your comfort, energy efficiency and heating bill. When it involves furnaces, there's a reason why we say we're Experts in our field. You can depend on our ACE-certified technicians to resolve your problem quickly and affordably. And what's even better, we back our HVAC system repairs with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one year.* Call us at 405-432-2197 to schedule your appointment today.