A properly functioning furnace is a lifesaver in our homes, especially during extreme winter temperatures. As such, a heater that has malfunctioned causes a significant inconvenience. Ideally, your heater should be able to turn off and turn on naturally through a complete cycle. It can be very frustrating to find out that your heater is not working as it should. This may affect your home temperatures and cause discomfort. It may also be damaging to the HVAC system and costly in terms of energy consumption.
If you find yourself in a situation where your heater will not turn off, do not panic. The problem may not be as big as you imagine. Even so, it is essential to check and identify the problem. If you cannot diagnose the problem yourself, you can reach out to the experts at Eck Services. Read on to learn more about why your heater won’t turn off and what can be done to fix the issue.
Possible Reasons Why Your Heater Won’t Turn Off
There are many reasons that can cause your heater to run constantly. One of the most common issues is related to the thermostat. If the thermostat is incorrectly set or poorly installed, it will not properly control your heater’s function. In some cases, loosening of the wiring in the thermostat can cause the sensors to fail. It is advisable to engage an expert to determine if the thermostat needs to be repaired or replaced in its entirety.
A second possible reason is a damaged primary controller. The controller is the focal point of the functioning of a furnace. The furnace can only regulate the temperate with commands from the controller. If it fails, the heating element of the system is affected and can cause it to stay turned on.
If you use a radiant heating system, a faulty valve is also a possible reason your heater won’t turn off. A boiler system can warm the house when the check valve allows the passage of heated water through radiators. A well-functioning valve circulates water throughout the system while a defective valve can cause a failure in the heating system.
Steps to Fixing Heater Issues
Check and Adjust the Thermostat
The easiest way to fix your heater if it won’t turn off is to adjust the thermostat. First, you can start by checking if the temperature is set too high. When temperatures are too high, the furnace will be forced to work hard to maintain the setting. This may cause a strain on the system and cause it to malfunction. Try and reset the thermostat temperature to a lower level.
Check the Fan Switch
If the problem persists even after resetting temperatures, check the fan switch. The fan can be adjusted manually from the thermostat. Ensure that the fan switch is not set to the “ON” setting. If it remains in the “ON” setting, it may continue to run even when the furnace is not producing hot air.
Check for Air Filter Issues
Air filters should be checked and repaired or replaced regularly to allow the HVAC system to function optimally. If the air filter is clogged, it can affect the flow of air and hamper the operation of the entire system. This can cause the furnace to run non-stop. It is best to change the air filter when you notice a deterioration in its functionality. Furnace filters should typically be replaced every three months, but they may need to be replaced more often if you have pets or someone in your home has allergies. You can consult your furnace manual or an HVAC professional to know how often you need to replace your air filter.
Heater Issues That Require Professional Help
If you follow the steps above but are still having issues with your heater constantly running, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection. An HVAC technician can accurately diagnose the problem, propose the right solutions, and provide a high-quality repair. Some of the issues that require a professional touch are discussed below.
Thermostat Glitch
The thermostat plays a critical role in the heating system. Therefore, it needs to be handled by a professional who understands how it works. A skilled expert will detect if the signals to the furnace have been interrupted by any errors in the system or if the sensors have malfunctioned. A professional will also be able to detect any cases of faulty wiring, which can only be handled by a person with the necessary skills and experience in electrical installations.
Damaged Blower Motor
The blower circulates both hot and cold air throughout your house. Your home’s central air conditioner also uses the blower. If the blower is damaged, your HVAC system will not be able to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. Some defects can cause the motor to stay running, thereby keeping the heater on. Given its critical function, the blower must be replaced or repaired by a professional who understands the complicated parts. Fixing the blower system requires specific knowledge and expertise. Any DIY attempts to repair the blower may result in more damage.
Ductwork Leaks
The ductwork is the channel through which hot and cold air is distributed throughout your interior spaces. Without working ductwork, cold air cannot be circulated through your home in the summer and hot air cannot be properly delivered to your living areas in the winter. Leaks reduce the ductwork’s efficiency and create uneven temperatures in your home.
Circulation is interrupted when there are leaks in your ducts. Leaky ducts can also prevent your HVAC system from reaching the temperature setting on your thermostat. If this happens, your heater will continue running. Inspecting and fixing ductwork requires professional assistance. An HVAC technician has access to specialized tools that can detect leaks, even in areas that are hidden from plain view. If the ducts are severely damaged, they can be replaced to improve the overall efficiency and operation of your ductwork.
Experts from ECK Services can identify your leaky spots and seal them quickly to ensure your home HVAC system runs efficiently. Our dedicated technicians are professionals who work around the clock to meet our customers’ needs. You can book an appointment with us any time to get help from a technician specialized to handle your specific issue.
At Eck Services, we serve residents of Pratt, Wichita, Kingman, and the surrounding areas. We provide a full range of heating and cooling services, including installation, repair, and maintenance. We also provide indoor air quality solutions, electrical services, and plumbing services.
As a dedicated home service provider, we prioritize honesty and hard work above all else. Our technicians are all-around professional, credible, qualified, and certified to provide services in various disciplines. We pride ourselves in being a Lennox Premier Dealer, and our team has won numerous accolades and awards over the years. To learn more about our services or to set up an appointment, contact the team at Eck Services today.
