
If your furnace is not shutting off, you most likely have one of these 7 problems:
- Wrong thermostat setting
- A malfunctioning thermostat
- A damaged primary controller
- A dirty air filter
- A faulty blower fan motor
- Leaky ductwork
- Damaged compressor contractor
What are some reasons why my furnace keeps turning on and off?
When a furnace keeps turning on and off, it is usually due to short cycling. This is the term used to describe problems originating from within the heating system. If short cycling is not promptly diagnosed and corrected, it could cause permanent damage to your heating unit and higher utility bills.
Why does my furnace sometimes turn off at night?
What Would Cause a Furnace not to Kick ON?
- Thermostat issues. If your furnace isn’t responding to temperature changes, the most likely culprit is the thermostat.
- Ignition issues. If the thermostat is in good working condition, then the next thing you want to check is the ignition system.
- Gas supply issues. ...
- Electrical issues. ...
Why is your furnace not kicking on?
- Start by checking other electrical components. ...
- Check the circuit breaker to ensure that the appropriate switches are in the “on” position. ...
- Check for a circuit breaker on the appliance, or a light switch located nearby. ...
- If any of these circuit breakers are popped, reset them only once.
- If the reset doesn’t work, call the local HVAC technician.
Why does my furnace not kick on?
Why does my furnace not kick on? Thermostat malfunctions cause most heating system failures. Other causes include a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse, or—in the case of combustion furnaces—a pilot light that has gone out. If the heat doesn't come on even when you adjust the thermostat above room temperature: Or replace the fuse.

How do you fix a furnace that won't turn off?
On your thermostat, look for the fan settings. There should be two, “ON” and “AUTO.” If it seems like your furnace won't turn off, the thermostat may be set to “ON” for the blower. Toggle the switch to “AUTO” so your furnace's blower fan only runs during a heat cycle.
What causes a furnace to keep running?
A dirty furnace filter is the number one reason we've found that furnaces run constantly. The air filter captures dust, pet hair, and debris that could damage the furnace and keeps it from getting to the heat exchanger. If the filter is dirty, it restricts airflow across the heat exchanger, which causes it to overheat!
Why would a furnace not stop running?
Over time, dust and debris clog your filter. This constricts airflow, which means the furnace has to work extra hard to maintain the desired temperature. Depending on how clogged the filter is, it may have your unit running nonstop.
Why does my furnace keep running even when the thermostat is off?
When your furnace keeps running after the temperature has been reached: Check the blower motor – Your forced air heating system uses a blower to push air through ducts and into your living space; sometimes, the blower runs at the same time that your furnace is heating the air, but sometimes it runs on its own.
Is it bad for furnace to run constantly?
Your furnace should not be constantly running. It's a definite sign of a system malfunction and there are few common causes for this. If it seems like your furnace never turns off, you should definitely call a reliable HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) service for furnace repair in Burlington, NC.
What to do if furnace won't shut off?
1.) Check the Filters. Keeping your HVAC filters clean is one of the most important regular maintenance tasks you can perform on your system.
Why does my furnace run continuously?
If the air flow to your heating unit is blocked by dirty filters, your furnace or heat pump may be forced to run continuously in an attempt to reach the desired temperature. Clogged, dirty filters can greatly impact the energy efficiency of the unit.
What to do if furnace is still running?
If you have checked your filters and thermostat, but your furnace still continues to run, call a Carefree Comfort, Inc. furnace repair technician to diagnose and resolve the issue. The problem can be as simple as a fused contact or a short in the control board. A short in one of the wires connecting the thermostat to the unit can also be the cause.
How to stop a furnace from running?
Thermostats will often fail after a number of years of use. Test the thermostat by setting the temperature to one or two degrees warmer than room temperature. Turn on the Heat switch.
Why is it important to keep a gas furnace in top running condition?
If you own a gas furnace, keeping the unit in top running condition is important for the safety of the home’s occupants.
What is a certified technician for a gas furnace?
A certified technician can quickly provide an assessment of the problem and an estimate for the repair. Carefree Comfort, Inc. technicians are skilled in diagnosis and repair of all brands and models of HVAC equipment. If you have a gas furnace, don’t take chances with the safety of your family.
What to do if furnace won't shut off?
If your furnace wont shut off and you’re worried, don’t panic. The first thing to do is check the thermostat.
How to contact Aspire Heating and Cooling?
Are you looking for the right HVAC expert to be your new go-to resource? Call Aspire Heating & Cooling at 336-281-0047 and be on your way to improved indoor comfort in no time.
Can an overactive furnace be a problem?
An overactive furnace can be frustrating and worrisome. The good news is, you might be able to solve the problem yourself. At Aspire Heating & Cooling, we’re qualified to handle the toughest HVAC problems. But when a customer’s furnace wont shut off we take a few simple first steps to troubleshoot the problem. Here are our tips for figuring out whether it’s time to call the professionals:
Why won't my furnace turn off?
A furnace that isn’t turning off is usually the result of a thermostat that’s set too high, a thermostat that’s gone bad, a bad blower motor switch, or filters that have to be replaced. Many of the fixes can be done on your own, but there are moments where calling a professional is the better option. If your furnace won’t turn off, things can ...
What to do if furnace won't shut off?
If you cannot diagnose the furnace problem yourself, the best thing you can do is to call a furnace repairman. The final problem that could cause a furnace that just won’t shut off deals with electrical sensors that aren’t properly registering heat or timing.
What to do if your furnace is set at a temperature that's warmer than the outside?
If your thermostat is set at a temperature that’s warmer than the outside, the furnace could just be doing what it’s supposed to do. Turn your thermostat’s fan to AUTO or OFF. This will help you make the most of your troubleshooting later on when it comes to your blower motor.
What is a bad blower switch?
A bad blower switch is one of the worst things that can happen to your HVAC system and you better hope that this is not the issue causing your problems. Your furnace blower motor is what blows the hot air to the various rooms in your home. The switch is what controls it, turning it off and on via signals.
What to do if furnace is still running hot?
If your furnace is still running hot after doing this, you will be able to rule out some common culprits. Finally, you should check the wiring of your thermostat. If your wiring is frayed or otherwise damaged, you might have a faulty thermostat to blame for your furnace problems.
How to make sure your furnace is working?
In most cases, the fastest way to make sure that your furnace and HVAC system starts working well once more is to clean or switch out your furnace filter. When your filter is dirty, it impedes airflow in your HVAC system, which in turn, can “trick” your furnace into staying on despite not being required.
Why is my furnace turning on?
Sometimes, buttons that are stuck on a “down” setting can be a reason why your furnace is still constantly turned on.
Why won't my furnace turn off?
Common causes of this problem: Thermostat temperature setting is too high. The furnace will run constantly to keep up on a cold night. Air filter is too dirty.
Why does my furnace run on cold nights?
The furnace will run constantly to keep up on a cold night. Air filter is too dirty. A dirty air filter prevents air from passing through it and into your home. So your furnace is always running since it can’t heat your home to the thermostat temperature setting. Check your air filter and change it if dirty.
Fan Limit in Manual Override Mode
The fan’s current state can be controlled through settings on the thermostat, but other functions can also be adjusted through the control panel. One of these includes the fan limit switch. This switch serves to ensure the fan does not move too fast in general, but it could be the reason for a constantly running fan with incorrect settings.
Faulty Wiring in the Thermostat
A thermostat is an electric device that is connected to your furnace. It is used to regulate several functions in the furnace, as well as other parts of your HVAC solution. Several settings on the thermostat’s control panel handle the regulation of the furnace fan.
Faulty Fan Switch
As we mentioned previously, a manual override on the fan limit switch can cause problems. There are, however, cases where you may find that the switch itself is faulty. When this is the case, adjusting the fan limit settings will not affect the device – as the communication between the switch and the fan is disrupted.
Why won't my furnace shut off?
If your thermostat is wired incorrectly , this could explain why the unit refuses to shut off. Check the wiring manual that came with your furnace to see exactly how the wires should be hooked up based on your model, and make corrections as needed. You can also try replacing the thermostat altogether.
Why does my furnace come on and off?
Most home furnaces are designed to come on when the temperature in your home falls to a certain degree and stay on until the temperature rises back to your ideal level. If your furnace is coming on and isn't turning off, you need to investigate the issue, as it could end up costing you excess money on your utility bill at the end of the month.
What to do if your furnace button is stuck?
If a particular button is sticking down, use your fingers or a pair of pliers to try to pull it back up again. Stuck buttons can cause your furnace to not shut off properly and will eventually need to be replaced. Stephen Lilley is a freelance writer who hopes to one day make a career writing for film and television.
