How to Handle a Non-Turning Heater

It's common for heating systems to experience issues now and again. It can be just a broken thermostat or an electrical problem. Here are a few measures you may take to get your gas furnace back into working order if it won't shut off.

Check the Air Filter

Many homes and their HVAC systems have problems as a result of a filthy air filter. This is why. By limiting airflow, you force your furnace to work harder and consume more energy to maintain the desired temperature.

This is bad for your furnace because it makes it more likely to break down and wear out faster.

Additionally, it may cause your furnace to overheat and turn off temporarily to cool off. Then, when your furnace turns on, it will continue to repeat this procedure. We refer to this as short cycling. It can increase your heating costs, wear down your furnace more quickly, and make your house uncomfortable.

Flat filters should be changed monthly, and pleated filters should be changed every three months. Pull out your furnace filter and hold it up to the light if you can't recall the last time you changed it. Replace your filter if it is too dirty and you are unable to see light through it.

When your heater won't switch off, replacing the air filter should resolve the issue if it was caused by a blocked air filter. If not, we suggest first checking the thermostat's settings.

Check the Thermostat

Your furnace is controlled by your thermostat, which merely tells it when to turn on and off. The issue arises frequently when your furnace won't turn off.

It might occasionally be as easy as turning the thermostat to the incorrect setting to turn off the heat.

Ensure that "Auto" is selected on your thermostat.

Your thermostat has two options for controlling the blower motor in your heating system: "auto" and "on."

When the furnace is set to "Auto," the blower will only turn on when the furnace does.

The furnace blower will run constantly when the switch is set to "On." Even though the steady air flow may help spread the heat, it will also raise your electricity costs and shorten the life of your furnace.

When your thermostat is set to "on," it will appear like your furnace is still running even when all you are actually hearing is the blower. The issue should be resolved by switching it to "auto." Additionally, it will enable you to save money on your energy expenses.

Check Your Temperature Setting

If your thermostat won't switch off the heat, compare the temperature setting to the ambient temperature. If the temperature in the room is higher than what the furnace needs to be, it will keep running until it gets to the right temperature.

Keep in mind that your furnace will need to run considerably longer than usual to keep your home toasty if it's extremely cold outside. This is because there is a big difference in temperature between the warm inside and the cold outside.

Try reducing the temperature to match the room's temperature as a test. After that, wait a few minutes. This ought to cause the furnace to turn off shortly.

Replace the Batteries

If you use a programmable thermostat, chances are good that it runs on batteries. Try replacing the batteries to see if it fixes the problem. Switch it to "off" if it doesn't or if your electrical system has wires.

You must shut off the power if your furnace won't shut off even after you switch it to the "off" position.

Cut the Power

Your furnace won't turn off even though your thermostat appears to be functioning properly. You may turn off the power to your heating unit at two different locations: the breaker box and the switch that controls it specifically.

Find the "furnace" breaker in your breaker box by going to it. To turn off the power, turn the breaker switch to the right.

Next, find your heating system's unique power switch. It's located on or next to your furnace and resembles a light switch. Power can be turned off by lowering the switch.

Now is the time to turn off your furnace.