October 12, 2021
Heating Repairs in Greenville, WI

Your heater is crucial HVAC equipment since it keeps you warm during the cold months. If your furnace is malfunctioning, it can lead to discomfort in your home. One of the common issues facing heaters is when it doesn’t turn off. Typically, a furnace has natural cycles where it turns on and off automatically according to your settings. However, if the heater does not turn off, it becomes a problem that can cost you a lot of money. The cause of the problem could be simple, and you can easily fix it. Other causes require you to call an HVAC expert.

Possible Causes

Here are the possible causes that can make your heater run continuously and not turn off:

  • Incorrect thermostat setting
  • Broken blower fan
  • Dirty air filter
  • Leaky ductwork
  • Malfunctioning thermostat

Malfunctioning Heater Checklist

When you notice your heater is not turning off, you can use the following checklist to identify the cause. Finding the cause will help you look for the right solution to get your heater working properly again. Here are the things and places to check.

1. Check the Thermostat

One of the most common culprits for a malfunctioning heater is the thermostat. If the furnace doesn’t turn off, there are two possible ways you can correct the thermostat to get the heater running properly. If you set the temperature too high, the heater will be forced to overwork to keep a high temperature.

Your heater could also have a problem with the fan switch. Typically, the fan is manually adjusted at the thermostat, and it has two settings, either ON or AUTO. When the fan switch is turned to the ON setting, it can keep the fan running endlessly even when the heater is not producing hot air. If you fix these two problems and your heater won’t turn off, you may have a problem with the air filter.

2. Check the Air Filters

The air filters are crucial for trapping dust and debris from entering your indoor air. After some time, they can get clogged and decrease airflow in your heater. This can cause your heater to run continuously. Your living environment can influence how often you need to change your air filters.

If you have pets in your home, you may have to replace your filters more frequently since pets shed fur, which ends up in your filters. Keeping your windows and doors open most of the time can lead to a dusty home, and the dust may clog your air filter. The size of your filters also matters and can determine how often you change the filters. Small air filters capture more particles and thus may get clogged faster than bigger filters that trap larger particles. If you have a habit of smoking inside your home, your air filters will get clogged more quickly as well.

Typically, you can replace your air filters after three months, but these factors can prolong or reduce that time. The filter type and quality also matter since some can go for up to one year while others do not last a month. An HVAC professional can advise you on the filter to buy.

When you want to change your air filter, you need to replace the old with the new one. Ensure that you get the correct-size filter by reading the measurements. There are washable air filters that you can wash to remove the particles and reuse them. They are ideal in homes that have a lot of indoor air pollution. Reusable air filters require frequent washing, but there are cheaper to maintain.

Changing your air filters and checking your thermostat should get your heater up and running with minimal issues. However, if the problem persists, you should get a qualified HVAC company like Black-Haak to provide professional help. You will get quality heating repair services from highly trained and licensed technicians. If you live in Greenville, WI, our technicians will arrive on time and handle any issue with your furnace. They will work quickly to find a solution and restore your home comfort. Here are problems that require professional services.

Thermostat Malfunction

The thermostat regulates your indoor temperature, and when it malfunctions, it can lower your indoor air quality and comfort. A possible issue with the thermostat is faulty wiring where it can wear our or short circuit. It can also be a bad heating sensor or non-responsive switch. These issues require technical expertise from qualified technicians.

Contacting an experienced HVAC technician to fix the wiring or the heating sensor can help fix the problem with the heater. You can also replace your old thermostat with a new one to have consistent temperatures. Alternatively, you can install a smart thermostat, which has many advantages over the traditional thermostat. A smart thermostat can help you lower your energy bill as it can learn your heating patterns and adjust automatically.

Leaking Ductwork

The air ducts circulate air throughout your home and release it into the rooms through the vents. They allow even distribution of air, and they maintain your indoor air quality. However, if your ducts have leaks, your heater will be forced to overwork to keep your house warm. It may cause uneven distribution of air, leading to some rooms being warmer than others. The thermostat may not register enough heat to turn off your heater, leading to high energy bills.

Various issues can affect your ductwork and cause leakages, including improper installation and pressure imbalance. Pests and rodents can also find their way into the ducts and cause leakages. Additionally, if your ducts are too old, then they may develop leaks.

Sealing your ductwork can be a daunting task since you’re not sure of the location of the leak. Sealing the leaks will ensure proper distribution of air and keep your furnace running effectively. You can also insulate your ducts to ensure that they’re not losing heat. Our technicians at Black-Haak can help insulate or clean your ducts to improve the efficiency of your heater.

Damaged Blower Motor

The blower is a component of your HVAC system that blows heated air through the vents. It contains many parts that need to be serviced and replaced after some time. If the blower motor is malfunctioning, it can cause the blower to stop working or work continuously. The fan limit switch may also fail to signal the furnace when to turn off. Solving these issues requires a qualified and experienced HVAC technician to repair or replace your blower. The technicians will explain the problem and possible solutions.

If your heater is too old, you may consider replacing it entirely. Some issues are very serious, and repairing them may not restore the efficiency of your heater. Replacing your heater will ensure that you save on repair costs and energy bills. Ensure that you get the right-size system since a system that’s too small will be forced to overwork. On the other hand, a heater that is too big will waste energy.

Black-Haak offers comprehensive heating services in Greenville, WI. We also offer a full range of cooling, plumbing and electrical services, too. Our technicians are insured and can operate on any type of system. We offer 24-hour emergency services for urgent issues and guarantee complete satisfaction. Contact Black-Haak today for more information!

company icon
Categories: