Why is my furnace not shutting off at temp?

Author: Prof. Dannie Hudson  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

One of the most common issues is the thermostat. The wiring, switches, or heating sensors can fail on your unit. If this is the case, then you'll need to replace the thermostat with a newer model. A damaged primary controller can also cause the furnace to stay turned on.

Why is my furnace not turning off at set temperature?

The short answer is your furnace won't turn off due to some kind of error or malfunction within your furnace, thermostat, or HVAC system. It could be the wrong thermostat setting is being used, a clogged air filter or your thermostat itself is no longer working properly.

Why is my heating not turning off when temperature reached?

It could (likely) be one of two things. Either the thermostat is sticking and not disengaging or you have a short in the wiring.

Why does my furnace keep running past the set temperature?

Check the ductwork.

As air flows through your ductwork, seals and joints loosen. That can create leaks. Other leaks may also develop. Leaky ductwork makes it hard for your furnace to reach and stay at your set temperature, meaning it will run longer and more often.

Why wont my furnace blower shut off even when the thermostat is off?

If the blower will not shut off that is either a stuck relay on the control board or if a thermal rollout on the unit has tripped open the board will tell the blower to run continously because it thinks it has overheated.

FURNACE won't shut off! Top reasons why your furnace keeps running

Why does my furnace blower keep running after temperature reached?

If your fan limit switch is set to AUTO but the fan continues to run without ever stopping, you'll need to call a professional. Two problems that could cause your fan to run without stopping include: A bad fan limit switch that needs to be replaced. Bad thermostat wiring.

Why doesn't my thermostat turn off when it reaches temperature?

Check Your Temperature Setting

If your thermostat won't turn off heat, check the temperature setting to the compare temperature. If it's greater than the room air temp, your furnace will keep operating until it reaches your desired temp.

Is it bad if your furnace keeps running?

As long as the furnace is running efficiently and not making strange noises, the constant operation is likely nothing to worry about. But in general, your furnace should not constantly be running. Otherwise, it could indicate a problem with your heating system.

How to clean a thermostat sensor?

Locate the sensor, which is a small, round component usually positioned near the bottom of the thermostat. It may be labeled as “sensor” or “thermistor.” Using a soft brush or a can of compressed air, carefully clean the sensor to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated on its surface.

Can a bad thermostat cause 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.

Why is my heating still on when the thermostat is off?

If your home radiators will not switch off even when the central heating isn't on, the most likely cause of the issue is troubles with a diverter or check valve. Should the valves become damaged or blocked, they can continue to transport hot water to your radiators even when the thermostat is switched off.

Why is my central air not turning off when the temperature reached?

You could have a dirty air filter, clogged condenser coils, frozen evaporator coils, a broken relay switch, or a bad thermostat, amongst other common air conditioner issues.

What are the symptoms of a faulty diverter valve?

Symptoms of a faulty diverter valve often include inconsistent hot water flow and radiators not heating properly. Homeowners may notice that radiators remain cold even when the boiler is on. Inconsistent water temperatures are common, with water switching from hot to lukewarm or cold unexpectedly.

What to do if heating won't turn off?

Alternatively, you could attempt resetting the thermostat by turning it off and back on again. If all else fails, we suggest checking whether the batteries need replacing. If the batteries are weak then a simple replacement should solve the issue.

Why is my furnace running with thermostat off?

If the blower motor breaks down, the fan may continue running even if the thermostat is off or the furnace isn't producing warm air. The problem could be a blown fuse, corroded wires, or other issues with mechanical components, all of which require professional furnace repair.

Should a furnace shut off before reaching temperature?

Most furnaces will turn on and run for several minutes before reaching the desired temperature and shutting back down. This can happen anywhere from three to eight times an hour, depending on the condition of the furnace and the outdoor temperatures.

What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat sensor?

Symptoms of bad temperature sensor
  • Erratic Readings. Sudden jumps or drops in temperature readings. ...
  • Open Circuit: Display shows a very high or infinite temperature. ...
  • Short Circuit: Display shows a very low or negative temperature. ...
  • Drift: ...
  • Noise or Interference: ...
  • Physical Damage:

How do you reset a thermostat sensor?

No, the coolant temperature sensor cannot be reset.

The engine coolant temperature sensor, or ECT is just a resistor affected by temperature—nothing's being stored on it and it has no software. The ECT works by receiving a signal from a computer called the engine control unit, or ECU.

Why is my furnace not shutting off?

One of the most common issues is the thermostat. The wiring, switches, or heating sensors can fail on your unit. If this is the case, then you'll need to replace the thermostat with a newer model. A damaged primary controller can also cause the furnace to stay turned on.

Why does my heat not turn off when it reaches the set temperature?

If your heater won't turn off, the first thing you do is check the thermostat. The thermostat controls how the heating system runs. It detects the indoor temperature and signals the furnace to start or stop. So, if the thermostat malfunctions, it can signal the unit to run continuously.

Is it bad for a furnace to run constantly in extreme cold weather?

"Your system's [furnaces] aren't designed to run in temperatures that are below-zero for long periods of times," Marchand said. To help alleviate some of the stress off of systems during these cold temperatures, set your thermostat a few degrees lower than what you're used to.

Why does my thermostat keep running after reaching temperature?

Check the thermostat.

There may be a wiring problem or worn batteries. If changing the batteries doesn't work, you will likely need a new thermostat. Contact your service technician to set that up.

Why wont my furnace blower 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.

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