In most cases, a malfunctioning thermostat is the cause of your home's overheating. When the temperature sensor inside your thermostat detects the wrong heat levels, it will tell your heater to keep running even if your home is already comfortably warm.
Excess airflow in winter, however, provides too much heat, and a room may be chronically uncomfortable. Airflow issues may be caused by internal duct dampers that are not adjusted properly, too many closed or obstructed supply vents in the house, or a furnace blower that is oversized for the system.
Check the air filter first
If the filter is heavily clogged with dust and debris, it cuts down on airflow, which in turn means less heated air is getting around the house. Change the filter for a clean one if it's clogged, and continue to change it every 1 to 3 months while the furnace is running.
Typically, these are air flow-related issues, like the fan or filter is broken. Then, the heat generated by the furnace can't leave, causing the overheating. However, there may be other culprits too. You'll need a professional to help you figure out what is going on.
No matter what the thermostat setting in the house may be, heated air leaving the furnace consistently ranges from 140 degrees up to 170 degrees, depending on the size of the unit. By the time the heated airflow enters a room through a supply vent, the air temperature has cooled by as much as 50 degrees.
“Pipes can expand in high temperatures, leading to leaks or even bursts, especially in older systems. And when it comes to electricity, the increased power consumption during hot spells can overload your system, potentially causing circuit issues or, in worst-case scenarios, electrical fires.”
Fixing Furnace Overheating: Common Professional Repairs
These can include replacing a malfunctioning blower motor to guarantee proper airflow, calibrating or replacing the temperature sensor for accurate readings, and repairing or replacing a faulty limit switch.
Because of the heat generated by the furnace, it's normal for the surface to feel hot, especially near the burners. However, if the furnace feels hot and you're experiencing heating issues in your home, it may be a sign that you need furnace repairs.
If your HVAC unit is blowing hot air, the first thing you should do is check the air filter. AC systems need to have a free-flowing supply of air. Dirty filters limit this flow, causing a strain on the system until it reaches the point where it can't keep up.
Clean your Air Filters, Vents, and Ducts – A clogged air filter will struggle to meet the thermostat's set temperature since the dirt and debris buildup prevents air from circulating through the vents. And as airflow into living spaces drops, so do comfort levels.
A bad thermostat can be detected when your AC or furnace is not turning on, your HVAC systems are not turning off, the thermostat not responding, your HVAC system is short-cycling, the room temperature not matching the temperature displayed on the thermostat, and the programmed setting resetting themselves.
Insulation issues are a common source of inappropriate temperatures no matter the season. Your home might have inadequate insulation in certain rooms, resulting in other rooms being too hot at the same time other rooms are too cold.
In most cases, a malfunctioning thermostat is the cause of your home's overheating. When the temperature sensor inside your thermostat detects the wrong heat levels, it will tell your heater to keep running even if your home is already comfortably warm.
Check for dust, dirt, and other kinds of residue inside the thermostat. Excessive dust and dirt buildup can prevent your thermostat from working properly. Clean any residue you see on the thermostat, and see if that helps improve the temperature in your home.
One of the most common culprits when a heater isn't working efficiently is dirty air filters. These can restrict the flow of heated air into your home. Remember, regular checks and replacements are essential for smooth HVAC system operation.
A low groan from the basement, a disconcerting clunk, or an acrid odor emanating from the vents—all are signs of a furnace overheating.
As the diverter valve open and closes countless times throughout the day, over a period of time it can become clogged with debris and get stuck. It could be responsible for delivering too much hot water to your radiators and making them feel overly hot.
A furnace motor can overheat in various ways. Here are the most common risks: A clogged filter can impede airflow and force the motor to work longer. Sooner or later, the motor might overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
Since a furnace emits heat, it's not unusual for it to feel warm.
Overheated Heat Exchanger: If the volume of return airflow is insufficient, a furnace's internal temperature can get too high. Closing supply air vents can cause the heat exchanger to overheat, leading to cracks and carbon monoxide leaks.
Cooling can be achieved by opening the door of an oven or chamber furnace, but it is generally not recommended to do this from high temperatures for standard products. Large custom built retort furnaces can be designed so the panels of insulation can be opened to speed up cooling, which could be located in the roof.
For short periods of time away, like going to work, we'd recommend a temperature of around 55 – 60 degrees (F). While away on long periods of time, such as vacation, we don't recommend setting the temperature any lower than 50 degrees (F).
Common causes include dirty air filters, low refrigerant levels, or issues with the AC unit's compressor. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure that your system operates efficiently. How to fix a hot room in the house: Addressing a persistently hot room requires a systematic approach.
This problem often points to inadequate circulation of warm air. It could be due to blocked vents, a failing HVAC fan, or issues with the furnace itself. Ensure that furniture or drapes are not blocking your vents.