How do I stop my furnace fan from running continuously?

Author: Judy Haley DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, March 9, 2025

If this is the case, then you'll need to find the fan limit switch and move it back into automatic mode. This will ensure that your furnace fan runs only when necessary and not continuously. The fan limit switch is typically located near the blower motor or in the control box.

How do you fix a furnace fan that keeps running?

If your furnace fan won't turn off, you most likely have one of these 3 problems:
  1. Your furnace fan limit switch is set to “manual override”
  2. The fan limit switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.
  3. There's a problem in your thermostat wiring.

Why is my furnace fan not shutting off?

Problem 1: Incorrect thermostat settings The most common reason for a furnace fan that won't shut off or a furnace blowing cold air and won't shut off is the wrong thermostat settings. The solution: Check the thermostat settings. The fan setting should be on AUTO. If it's set to ON, the furnace fan won't shut off.

How do you manually override a fan limit switch?

You should see a little white button/knob, this is your fan limit switch. If that white button appears to be pushed in, the switch has been set to manual override, which means the fan will run constantly. By simply pulling the white button out, you'll reset the switch to AUTO mode.

Why does my furnace fan keep running with the thermostat removed?

A fan may continue to run even when the furnace thermostat is off for several reasons: Fan Limit Switch Setting: The fan limit switch controls the operation of the fan. If it's set to run continuously or if it's malfunctioning, the fan may continue to operate even when the heating system is off.

Indoor Fan Keeps Running - 10 Reasons Why

Is there a reset button on a furnace fan?

Most furnaces have a reset button near the blower compartment itself, though the exact location may vary depending on the make and model. It's usually red or yellow and small in size. Consult your furnace manual for guidance if you're unsure where it is.

Will a bad thermostat cause fan to stay on?

A bad thermostat can also cause the fan to run continuously or not turn off when it should. To ensure your thermostat is functioning correctly, it is recommended to consult with HVAC Alliance Expert's specialists.

How do I reset my furnace fan limit control switch?

To find the limit switch on your furnace, look for a red, yellow, or white button on the panel. To restart your furnace manually, hold this button for three seconds before releasing it. After restarting the system, affix your control panel back on the furnace and turn your furnace back on via the circuit breaker.

Can a bad thermostat cause a furnace to run continuously?

If your thermostat is not working properly, it may not be able to accurately read the temperature in your home or properly communicate with your furnace. This can cause your furnace to run continuously, even if your home is already at the desired temperature.

Is it okay for my furnace fan to run constantly?

Running it continuously may lead to more frequent maintenance and repair needs. However, the added comfort and air quality benefits often outweigh these concerns. Noise: If you're sensitive to background noise, you might find the constant hum of the furnace fan bothersome.

Why wont the fan on my thermostat turn off?

This isn't necessarily bad for your fan, but it is usually a sign of a bigger problem. Common causes for fans not turning off when they should include faulty thermostats, bad wiring, and stuck relays. These problems are not easy DIY repairs and should be left to an HVAC professional.

How to tell if a furnace limit switch is bad?

One way to know that the limit switch has a problem is if your furnace keeps going on and off throughout the day. Usually, when the blower is overheated, it trips the limit switch causing the furnace to shut off even before the cycle is over.

How long can a fan run continuously?

"Most electrical fans are designed to be able to run continuously for several hours at a time, for example overnight or during the day, but you'll also need to keep in mind doing that continuously for long periods can cause wear and tear on the motor and other components, shortening its lifespan," continues David.

What controls the fan on a furnace?

The fan limit switch controls when the furnace blower fan turns on and off. This control also provides a safety limit that turns off the burner or furnace if temperatures at the furnace get too high. Fan/Limit switches are used on all types of heating furnaces.

What is a furnace limit switch?

A furnace limit switch is a component of a forced-air furnace that is responsible for turning on the furnace blower once the desired heat has been met inside the furnace. Without a functioning furnace limit switch, a furnace would not be able to regulate the temperature in conjunction with a thermostat.

How to stop a furnace fan from running?

If this is the case, then you'll need to find the fan limit switch and move it back into automatic mode. This will ensure that your furnace fan runs only when necessary and not continuously. The fan limit switch is typically located near the blower motor or in the control box.

What are the symptoms of a bad furnace thermostat?

7 Ways to Tell Your Thermostat Is Broken
  • The Thermostat Has No Power. ...
  • The AC or Furnace Won't Turn On. ...
  • The Heater or AC Won't Turn Off. ...
  • The Thermostat Reading Doesn't Match the Room Temperature. ...
  • The Thermostat Doesn't Respond. ...
  • The HVAC System Is Short Cycling. ...
  • The Thermostat Forgets Programmed Settings.

Why wont my furnace fan turn off?

One reason why your furnace blower won't turn off is because of incorrect thermostat settings. For instance, the blower will continue blowing if the settings are higher than what your furnace can achieve. This is because it will continuously heat the space in an attempt to reach the set temperature.

How do I reset my furnace fan?

First, turn off the power supply to the furnace by turning off the breaker in the circuit box. Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. It is usually located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. Be cautious, as the housing may be hot.

Do all furnace blower motors have a reset button?

First of all, be aware that not all furnaces have a reset button; however, most do. If your electric furnace has one, it's most likely located within the blower housing, next to the motor. If you own a gas furnace, it's probably located within the control panel. Check your owner's manual for specifics.

Can you clean a furnace fan limit switch?

Remove the furnace access panel to locate the high limit switch on the outside of the plenum. Unscrew the switch from the plenum. Use steel wool or sandpaper to gently clean away soot and other materials stuck on the rod. Replace the switch and access panel.

Why is my thermostat fan not shutting off?

The first and simplest check is to make sure your thermostat is set to AUTO rather than ON. If it's set to ON, change it to AUTO. This should allow the blower fan to shut off within just a few minutes. If that doesn't do the trick, the next possibility is that the thermostat is set to an overly high temperature.

Is it OK to keep furnace fan running?

Running the Fan Continuously

This offers benefits for your home such as: Improved air circulation throughout your living spaces. Enhanced indoor air quality by filtering air continuously. Reduced motor stress by minimizing frequent starts and stops.

How do I know if my fan relay is blown?

If the cooling fan relay has failed, you may see warnings, such as the check engine light and the temperature warning light, pop up on the dash, but first, you may notice that the A/C stops cooling. More about that in the next paragraph. The check engine light illuminating may indicate a faulty cooling fan relay.

Previous article
How do I stop my foundation from settling?
Next article
Should I shock my pool when I first fill it up?