Updated 4/24/24

Heating systems are designed to turn on when the thermostat detects low temperature and off when the set temperature is achieved. You may, however, notice that your heater is running nonstop, even when the set temperature is reached. This can be a very frustrating situation, as your energy bills are bound to skyrocket. Your home may also become an uncomfortable environment due to the continuous supply of heat. Various reasons could cause your furnace to run nonstop.

A Faulty Thermostat

Thermostats play an essential role in your heating system since they direct your furnace to turn on or off based on the current room temperature. A damaged thermostat may cause your heater to run nonstop since it won’t be notified of the need to turn off. Various issues could lead to a faulty thermostat, including a damaged heat sensor or a nonresponsive switch. The wires that connect the thermostat to the furnace could also have short-circuited. Our professionals will inspect your thermostat to find the cause of the issue. They will then recommend you repair or replace the thermostat based on the damage it has suffered.

Having Dirty Air Filters

It is not uncommon for people to forget to clean their air filters. However, failure to clean your air filter can result in your heater not turning off. This is because a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to your furnace. In return, your heater will produce a lower supply of hot air to your house. The furnace will have to run for an extended period as a way of compensating for the insufficient supply of hot air. Cleaning your air filters ensures your furnace performs at peak performance and goes a long way toward lowering your energy bills.

Leaks in Your Ductwork

A heating system is made up of supply ductwork and return ductwork, and they both play a vital role. The supply ductwork plays the role of supplying warm air produced by the heater to your home. On the other hand, the return ductwork is tasked with returning the cool air from your house and back to the heater. If your supply duct happens to leak, the warm air may end up getting supplied to the attic instead of the required spaces. This will lead to the thermostat not detecting the heat in your home, therefore not alerting the furnace to turn off. The heater will end up running nonstop, trying to achieve the temperature set on the thermostat. This may result in a spike in your utility bills and your system performing less efficiently. A duct-sealing procedure where our technicians can use sealant, metal tape, or adhesive would help alleviate this problem.

Your Thermostat Setting Is Incorrect

A thermostat comes with two settings: on and automatic. The “On” setting keeps the furnace and blower fan running even after your room achieves a comfortable temperature. The “Automatic” setting, however, turns your heater on and off based on the current room temperature. This is effective since no energy is wasted, and your heating system runs efficiently. If you notice your furnace is operating with no breaks, you can check your settings to ensure that your thermostat is on the “Auto” setting and not the “On” setting. If this is not the issue, you can contact our HVAC specialists to inspect the system for you. You should also avoid setting very high temperatures on your thermostat, as your heating system will have to run for longer to achieve them.

The Motor in Your Blower Fan Is Faulty

A blower fan is a vital part of a furnace since it is responsible for pushing the air the furnace has heated into your home while pulling the cold air back. Motors used to power the fan blower may sometimes experience mechanical failures or even glitches. A damaged limit switch can also result in your heater and blower fan running continuously. The limit switch plays the role of directing the furnace fan and dictating when it should turn on or turn off. Our technician can fix all issues whether they are motor-related or due to a damaged limit switch.

Infographic for Causes of Heating Running Continuously

How can I improve the efficiency of my heating system?

Regular maintenance, including thermostat checks, air filter replacements, duct sealing, and motor inspections, can optimize heating system efficiency and prevent continuous running.

When should I seek professional help for my furnace issues?

If troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the continuous running of your furnace, it’s best to contact HVAC professionals for inspection and repair. Ignoring the issue can lead to higher energy bills and system inefficiency.

At R.J. Groner Inc., we take pride in providing heating services to residents of Stroudsburg and the surrounding areas. We offer quality heating repair, installation, and maintenance services to our customers. Not looking for heating services? We also provide reliable cooling services. Contact us today for more information.

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