Why won't my furnace quit running?

Author: Cordie Raynor  |  Last update: Tuesday, March 4, 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.

What would cause the furnace not to shut off?

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.

How do I get my furnace to stop running constantly?

The furnace will run until your home's internal temperature reaches the temperature to which you set your thermostat. If you set the temperature too high, the furnace will run constantly trying to reach the set temperature. Bump the temperature down a few degrees to put less strain on the system.

Why does my furnace keep running after the temperature has been reached?

Check the blower motor.

If it's warm, both the furnace and blower are running. If it's cool or cold, only the blower is running. If it's just the blower, check to see if your thermostat is set to “on” and not “auto.” If that's the case, switch it to “auto” and see if the problem clears up.

Why is my furnace blower not turning off?

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

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

What would cause a blower motor to continuously run?

A Bad Circuit Board or Shorted Wire. The circuit board or wiring in your furnace may be faulty, causing the fan to run continuously. This is a complicated problem that requires professional furnace repair.

Why wont my furnace stop blowing air?

The most common blower problem that makes your furnace run non-stop is a faulty limit switch. A limit switch is the part of your furnace that tells your system when to turn on and off. If it's broken, your furnace won't know when to shut off and will continue to run.

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 constantly on?

The problem might be a faulty timer, pump, thermostat, heat exchanger, or a motorised valve. It is also possible for a malfunctioning programmer to cause issues of non-stop heating. In some cases, a blown fuse, faulty wiring, or problem with the circuit may be responsible for the problem.

Can a bad thermostat cause a furnace to shut off?

Faulty thermostat.

Old wiring or dead batteries: Replace batteries or old wiring to ensure accurate temperature readings. Thermostat location: If your thermostat is too close to a heat source (like sunlight or a heat register), it can misread the temperature and cause your furnace to keep shutting off.

What to do if heating won't turn off?

Check the Thermostat

Your thermostat controls your furnace and basically tells the unit when to turn on and off. It's often to blame when your furnace won't stop running. Sometimes having the heat turn off is as easy as adjusting an incorrect thermostat setting. Make Sure Your Thermostat is Set to “Auto”.

Is it bad for a furnace to run nonstop?

But in general, your furnace should not constantly be running. Otherwise, it could indicate a problem with your heating system. In this case, have a qualified HVAC (Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technician inspect your system and address issues that make it run constantly.

Why is my HVAC not shutting off?

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 ...

How do you fix a furnace that keeps running?

When a furnace runs constantly, it probably means that something is dirty or clogged. The filter is the first thing you want to check, especially if you do not replace your filter as often as recommended (once a month during the heating season).

Why is my heating staying on when it's turned off?

Why are my radiators not turning off? To conclude, if your radiators are not turning off when the heating is off there is likely a problem with the diverter, check, or solenoid valve. If these valves get stuck they will keep sending hot water to the radiators even when the heating thermostat is off.

Why is my heating constantly running?

If the thermostat isn't the issue, it may be the heating unit itself. The primary controller dictates when the unit turns on and off. If it's not working properly, it can no longer control this, and your heater may run continuously. Your primary controller will need to be replaced by a professional.

What to do if your heater won't turn off?

Our have compiled a list of steps you can take to get your heating system back in working order.
  1. Examine the Air Filter. ...
  2. Check Out the Thermostat. ...
  3. Check Your Temperature Setting. ...
  4. Put in Fresh Batteries. ...
  5. Turn Off the Power. ...
  6. Professional Service.

Why does my furnace keep running when the thermostat is off?

Incorrect settings on your thermostat or fan limit switch can cause the fan to run continuously. Faulty wiring or a broken fan limit switch can also cause your fan to keep running. You can diagnose and fix some furnace fan issues on your own. Faulty wiring or a broken switch will require professional repair.

Why is my heat running non-stop?

Your Thermostat Isn't Set Appropriately

Setting a thermostat too high in the winter or too low in the summer may cause it to run constantly as it tries to keep up with the temperature you set it for. Make sure the emergency heat mode is not set either.

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.

Where is the safety switch on a furnace?

The location of the furnace limit switch is under the furnace's supply plenum. It has a long temperature sensor extending into the furnace plenum, which reads the temperature and sends a signal to the air handler to start running and delivering warm air once the plenum reaches a specific temperature.

What would cause a furnace to not shut 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.

What is a limit on a furnace?

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.

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