Your heating system may need service through a maintenance agreement to run optimally.

Service through HVAC maintenance agreements and monthly air filter changes can typically prevent a furnace from continuously running. However, if it seems like the furnace has been running for an hour or longer without stopping, you may need some tips to help you now as you wait for that professional service.

Sometimes a furnace blower will not turn off because there is a mechanical or electrical problem with the system. When a furnace fan won’t shut off, this unnecessarily consumes electricity and produces unneeded wear and tear on the furnace itself. Troubleshooting your furnace and knowing what to do when it won’t shut off could help you save money on your winter heating costs and future furnace repairs.

Troubleshooting a Furnace that Won’t Turn Off

If the furnace has been running for a while and won’t stop, these troubleshooting steps might help you find the cause and a solution to the problem:

• Begin at the thermostat. Lower the temperature. If the furnace continues to run, shut the heating system down. If your thermostat is set to a high temperature or if it’s very cold outside, the furnace might be running just to keep up with the thermostat’s demand for heat.
• If the furnace fan or blower is still going, there could be an electrical problem between the thermostat and the furnace or air blower. This requires a professional repair.
• Check whether other gas or oil operated appliances are working. An interruption in the furnace’s fuel supply can cause the blower and fan to run continually because the fuel isn’t being turned into heat.
• Check the temperature control switch to see if it’s working. If you can’t locate it or if it appears to be broken, the furnace needs a professional repair.
• Check the air filter. If it’s filled up with dirt and dust, replace it. A dirty air filter may cause the furnace to run continuously because the heated air isn’t able to pass through the filter into the air ducts and rooms of your house.

When to Manually Shut Down Your Furnace

If none of the above stops the furnace running, you may need to manually shut it down. Once the thermostat heat settings are shut off, go to the circuit breaker and turn off the power to the furnace. Its fan and blower will stop running. At this point, it’s time to call for a professional technician to find the cause of why the furnace wants to cycle continuously.

If you can’t get your furnace to turn off or are experiencing any other heating problems call Morelli Heating and Air Conditioning. We can provide emergency service, or we can get you set up with a professional maintenance agreement that will help you to prevent these types of issues in the first place.

Click this link to contact our team of HVAC professionals today, and we can fill you in on all of the benefits maintenance agreements have to offer.