If your heater is running constantly this winter without ever turning off, it may be because it needs maintenance, has a system malfunction, or the thermostat isn’t set properly. Addressing this issue as soon as possible is important. A furnace that doesn’t turn off wastes energy and is more likely to break down, which costs you more in the long run than a simple inspection and repair.
G&R Heating and Air is northern Illinois’ trusted HVAC service provider. Our technicians are experienced in furnace maintenance and repairs on all residential furnace models, so we’ll find the cause of the problem and fix it for you quickly.
Read on to learn the six most common reasons why your heater won’t turn off and how the team at G&R Heating and Air can help.
1. Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter is one of the main reasons a furnace runs constantly. When it’s filled with dust and debris, it restricts the HVAC system’s airflow, which causes the system to overheat. A furnace that is too hot will keep the fan on to try to cool it down. If you don’t address the dirty filter, it may eventually burn out the fan motor.
While most places in Illinois generally have good air quality, you must still change or clean your HVAC air filter regularly. During the winter (or whenever your HVAC is running), we recommend checking the filter around every three months to ensure your system has good airflow. You can change the filter yourself if you’re comfortable doing it, or call G&R Heating and Air for assistance.
2. Thermostat Issues
If your thermostat fan setting is switched to “on,” that means you’re telling the fan to stay on. This circulates conditioned, filtered air through your house by keeping the fan running 24/7. Consider setting it to “auto” instead, so the fan only comes on when the heater is running.
If your thermostat won’t turn off when it should or seems to be reading the temperature inaccurately, your local HVAC expert at G&R Heating and Air can help. We’ll fix or replace your malfunctioning thermostat, ensuring it provides accurate readings and gives you better control of your in-home comfort.
3. High Temperature Setting
Another simple fix for a heater that won’t stop running is to check that your thermostat isn’t set too high. If you’ve got the temperature set too high, your furnace will strain to meet your demands, running constantly to try and heat the home. Try turning down the setting a few degrees to see if that helps your furnace keep up.
4. Leaky Ductwork
If your air ducts have cracks, holes, or unsealed joints, the heated air may escape, causing your furnace to work harder to blow warm air through your home. This makes your furnace less effective, causing your home to be unevenly heated. The fan runs constantly, wasting energy while causing more wear and tear to the mechanisms.
If your furnace doesn’t stop running and you also notice whistling noises, musty odors, condensation on the ducts, pest infestations, or visible air leaks from the ducts, contact your local HVAC experts to take a look. Repairing your ducts saves you money on energy bills, ensures better indoor air quality, and reduces the time your furnace has to run to heat your home.
5. Poor Insulation
Without proper insulation around your ducts and in your attic and walls, heat escapes and the outdoor winter chill seeps in. A few ways to check whether you have enough insulation are to look for mold or moisture, rodent pathways, or ice.
If you see any of these signs, or if the insulation looks unevenly distributed with low, thin spots that fall inline with or below the joists, you likely need more insulation. According to Energy Star, in a northern area like Illinois, the insulation in your attic should be at R-21, meaning 16 to 18 inches deep.
Not sure? Call an expert to help. Adding more insulation helps improve the energy efficiency in your home, which reduces the strain on your heater.
6. Aging Heater
If you’ve checked everything but are still finding your heater won’t turn off, it may be because of its age. An older furnace has worn-out components that may start to fail, which can result in a malfunction that causes it to overheat or not turn off.
The average modern furnace has a service life of between 15 and 20 years. If your furnace has reached this age and is constantly running or showing other signs of system failure, it’s a good idea to consider a replacement. Once heater components start to fail, even well-maintained furnaces can stop working or cause dangerous problems like gas leaks or fires.
If you need help deciding whether to repair or replace your old furnace, schedule an inspection with the technicians at G&R Heating and Air. We’ll take a look and let you know the cost of furnace repair vs. the cost of replacement so you can make an informed decision.
When You Need to Call For Furnace Repair, Contact the Professionals at G&R Heating and Air
If your furnace isn’t working as it should, contact the pros at G&R Heating and Air today. We offer cost-effective solutions you can trust, with flexible financing options available to qualified customers to help reduce the financial strain a heating repair or replacement may cause. We care about our community and are here to serve.
If you’d like to learn more about heating systems in Northern Illinois or if you need to schedule a free second opinion, contact us today!
