Why is my thermostat not stopping?

Author: Hettie Kling  |  Last update: Thursday, September 18, 2025

1. Faulty Thermostat. A faulty thermostat can cause your heating unit to run and not turn off. The unit may have a broken heating sensor, the wiring may have gone bad, or the switch itself may have broken.

Why is my thermostat 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 thermostat keep running?

If your thermostat and fan limit switch are set to AUTO but your furnace keeps running, you most likely have a shorted wire in your thermostat or fan limit switch. Unfortunately, you'll need a professional to fix shorted wires.

Why is my thermostat staying on?

  • The thermostat itself might be malfunctioning or experiencing technical issues. This could be due to electrical problems, a software glitch, or physical damage.
  • Some thermostats have a lock feature to prevent unauthorized changes.
  • If your thermostat is battery-powered, low or dead batteries could cause malfunctions.

Why is my AC not shutting off when reaching set temperature?

Malfunctions affecting different system components can prevent the conditioner unit from shutting down as expected, such as a clogged air filter, a frozen evaporator coil, a faulty electrical relay switch, a dirty condenser coil, a constantly blowing fan, a bad thermostat, low refrigerant, and other HVAC system repair ...

THERMOSTAT IS OFF BUT HEAT IS STILL ON \\ HEAT ON THERMOSTAT OFF

Why does my AC keep running after it has reached the set temperature?

Common Causes of an AC Running Constantly

If your AC cooling cycles last more than 30 minutes or run all day, you likely have one of the following common AC problems: Thermostat fault. Dirty or clogged air filter. Low refrigerant.

How to tell if your thermostat is bad?

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

How do you reset a stuck thermostat?

Turn your thermostat to the 'off' position... Then venture off to your home's breaker box. Find the breaker to your HVAC system, flipping it 'off'. Make sure the breaker is flipped all the way 'off,' then wait for 30-seconds. Turn the breaker back 'on.

Why is my AC temperature not going down?

There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.

Why is my thermostat staying at the same temperature?

A dysfunctional fan can be why your thermostat won't change temperature. This problem prevents the furnace system from forcing heated air into your home. Solution: switch off the furnace, wait two minutes, then switch off the fan.

Why is my thermostat off but my AC is still running?

The Short Answer Is: When your air conditioning system keeps running and never seems to shut off, the problem could be linked to a number of malfunctioning components – frozen evaporator coils, a clogged air filter, a bad electrical relay switch that needs to be replaced, the fan blowing constantly, dirty condenser ...

Is it bad if thermostat stays open?

When a thermostat gets stuck open, it'll allow coolant to circulate continuously even when it's not needed. Unfortunately, that will overcool the engine and cause it to operate below its optimal temperature range. As a result, the engine will lose fuel efficiency, and its components will experience excess wear.

Why is my AC thermostat set at 74 but reads 78?

If the temperature is set to 74°F but the thermometer shows 78°F, you will have to recalibrate the thermostat to account for this 4-degree deviation. Even with older AC units or furnaces, you might have to recalibrate your thermostat from time to time.

Why does the thermostat keep running?

Thermostat Settings Are Incorrect

Many homeowners mistakenly set their thermostats to the “on” position instead of “auto.” When set to “on,” the system runs continuously, regardless of the room's current temperature. This simple oversight can make it seem like there's a larger problem when there isn't.

Why does my thermostat stay on hold?

Although there might be slight differences depending on the manufacturer, in general the “hold” button is used to lock in a specific temperature, regardless of whatever program you might have set for your system. For instance, you might have your furnace set to keep your house at 68 degrees during the winter.

How do I fix a stuck thermostat in my house?

If the thermostat is still unresponsive, make sure the breaker is shut off and remove the cover. If it looks dirty inside, use canned air or a soft artist brush to clean away accumulated grime that may be affecting its functionality. Then look for issues like loose wiring or terminal screws and tighten them up.

Why is my thermostat temperature not going down?

Some of the most common thermostat issues include:

The thermostat is broken, not properly level, or dusty. The thermostat needs to be recalibrated. There is loose wiring causing a thermostat issue.

Why is my AC not stopping at set temperature?

If your AC won't turn off, it could be due to thermostat malfunctions, electrical component issues, dirty or clogged components, or an incorrectly sized system, which can increase energy bills and reduce system efficiency.

How to reset a thermostat?

Most modern thermostats will have a clearly marked reset button inside the panel. It's usually small and recessed, so you might need a pointed object like a paperclip to press it. For those wondering specifically how to reset air conditioner thermostat models, the process is generally the same.

How do I fix an unresponsive thermostat?

4 Steps for Troubleshooting Your Thermostat
  1. Reset the Thermostat. Like any other electronic device, sometimes a digital thermostat needs a reset to get it working properly again. ...
  2. Clean Out Dust and Corrosion. ...
  3. Test the Power and Wiring. ...
  4. Adjust the Heat Anticipator.

Do thermostats reset themselves?

If your thermostat is set to a temperature regulation mode or has an energy-saving program enabled, it might reset to conserve energy.

How much does it cost to replace a thermostat?

Replacing a Thermostat. You'll pay between $15 and $300 for the unit in addition to labor ($65 to $100 per hour) to replace an old thermostat with a new one. However, installing a brand-new thermostat is more involved and, therefore, more expensive.

How do you know if you need a new thermostat?

If your thermostat has fresh batteries but suddenly lacks power, flashes, or isn't responsive to adjustments, it may need replacement. If resetting the thermostat doesn't resolve the problem, you may have wiring problems or faulty components causing your thermostat to not turn on.

Can a bad thermostat cause AC not to cool?

When your thermostat is working correctly, you can keep it as cool or warm as you need. A bad thermostat can cause your AC to not cool or heat the room to the desired temperature. Air conditioning concerns are more apparent: Your thermostat is one of the best indicators of your air conditioning system's health.

How do I manually test my thermostat?

Standard thermostats: Enlist a friend or family member to assist, Position one person by the thermostat and one person by the furnace. Slowly turn the thermostat from off to heat and increase the temperature. Both the thermostat and furnace should make a sound.

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