
Winters in the Macon, GA area are generally mild and in the 40s with an occasional dusting of snow. You rely on your furnace to keep your home warm during this colder time of year. However, all furnaces should intermittently turn off during a process called cycling. If your furnace won’t turn off, it could be due to an underlying problem that requires repair or replacement.
The experienced team of professionals at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling are here to help you determine why your furnace might not be turning off, and what you can do about it. Here are some reasons why your furnace won’t turn off, the possible risks of a continually running furnace, and when it’s time to call in the pros.
Why Won’t My Furnace Turn Off? Common Causes Explained
If your furnace keeps running, there are several reasons why that might happen. Here are some of the most common causes that may explain why your furnace keeps on running.
- Problems with the thermostat: One of the most common causes of a furnace running nonstop in cold weather is an issue with the thermostat. The unit could be malfunctioning, or it might be set to the right temperature.
- Clogged air filter: If your air filter is dirty or clogged, it restricts airflow which may cause your furnace to overheat. When this happens, the furnace isn’t able to turn off properly.
- Flame sensor problems: With a gas furnace, the flame sensor is a safety component designed to detect the flame and shut off the gas supply when necessary. A faulty or broken flame sensor can cause the furnace to keep running, even when the gas burners aren’t lit.
- Blocked air vents: Dust and debris blocking your air vents prevent the air from circulating throughout your home, which can cause your furnace to overheat, stay on, or short-cycle.
- Damaged blower motor: If the blower motor in your furnace is damaged or malfunctioning, it can prevent proper air circulation which may cause your furnace to run constantly.
- Leaky ductwork: Leaks in your ductwork cause heated air to escape before it reaches the rooms in your home. This might cause your furnace to keep running to try and compensate for the lost heat.
Signs Your Furnace is Running Constantly Due to a Problem
If your furnace runs constantly, look for these signs that might indicate there’s a problem requiring professional help.
- Higher than normal energy bills: If your monthly heating bills seem much higher than normal, it could be because your furnace is consuming more energy.
- Poor temperature control: Rooms that don’t reach the desired temperature even when your furnace is running indicate a serious problem with major furnace components.
- Unusual noises: Loud, excessive noises like rattling or grinding typically mean that a professional HVAC technician should inspect and repair your furnace.
- Dust in your home: If you start to notice dust building up on your furniture more than usual, it might mean that your furnace has a dirty air filter or that your vents or ductwork need cleaning.
Diagnostic Steps for Persistent Furnace Operation
Troubleshoot with these diagnostic steps if your furnace is persistently running to look for a possible cause.
- Step one: Check the thermostat and confirm that it’s set to the desired temperature. Make sure the batteries are good and that it’s functioning correctly.
- Step two: Ensure that your furnace air filter is clean and if not, replace it with a new one to improve airflow.
- Step three: Locate your electrical panel and verify that the furnace’s circuit breaker is not tripped to confirm that the furnace is receiving power.
- Step four: Check the flame sensor if you have a gas furnace and look for dirt or damage.
- Step five: Listen for any strange noises coming from the furnace, which might mean that your blower motor is dirty or malfunctioning.
- Step six: Inspect the furnace control board and look for any malfunctioning lights or error codes.
- Step seven: Make sure your ductwork is free of cracks, leaks, or blockages that would require professional duct repair or cleaning.
Potential Risks of Continuous Furnace Running
While some causes for a furnace running constantly can be rectified with repairs, other causes could require a full replacement. Here are some of the potential risks associated with a continuously running furnace:
- When your furnace runs constantly, it runs the risk of overheating. This causes damage to the components, premature failure, and expensive repairs. A constantly running furnace will also decrease the life of your system.
- Furnaces that never stop running require increased energy consumption. As a result, you’ll likely notice that your monthly energy bills are much higher than usual, costing you more money during the winter season.
- The fan motor in your furnace is not designed for constant use. A constantly running furnace will cause the fan motor to break down and need repairs or replacement.
- Not only is a constantly running furnace more expensive to operate, but it likely also causes loud, annoying noises that can disrupt your home. Whether it’s unusual grinding sounds or a constant hum, these nonstop noises can make it more difficult to relax or fall asleep.
When to Call a Professional HVAC Technician
While some issues are easy to correct yourself, there are other times when it’s best to call the professionals at Ricky Heath for help, such as:
- A thermostat check didn’t work: If you changed the batteries, adjusted your thermostat to “auto,” and ensured that it’s set to the right temperature but the furnace still runs, it’s time to call in the professionals.
- Weird noises or smells: Strange noises or unpleasant odors coming from your vents and/or furnace could indicate that there’s a more serious issue lurking that requires professional attention. Banging, rattling, or grinding noises or burning smells are red flags that something serious is happening with your furnace.
- Possible gas leak: If you have a gas furnace and smell gas or think you may have a gas leak for any reason, leave your home immediately and contact your gas company and the team at Ricky Heath right away for emergency service.
- Airflow issues: Weak airflow may mean you have a clogged filter or dirty ductwork. However, it could also mean that there’s a more serious issue with your furnace that requires help from the experts.
Call Ricky Heath Today
Even if it’s cold outside, you don’t want your furnace to run constantly. Luckily, the experienced technicians at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling are available to help troubleshoot the furnace in your Macon area home. We offer fast, affordable, high-quality furnace repair and replacement services, so contact us today to find out how we can help!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should a Furnace Run in Cold Weather?
A furnace should run several cycles per hour in cold weather, with each cycle lasting between 10 to 15 minutes. If your furnace runs for more than 20 minutes per cycle, it’s working too hard and may overheat or break down.
How Often Should I Replace My Furnace?
Most furnaces last between 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is approaching the 15-year mark or if you notice that it requires more frequent repairs, it could be time to replace it.