What to Do When Your Heater Won’t Turn Off
Is your heater not working properly? A lot of people have a problem where they come to us and say, “Help, my furnace won’t turn on.”
But what happens in the opposite situation?
Instead of your heater not turning on, it won’t shut off. Your system is left running for hours or days, energy bills increase, and the unit might even begin to overheat. Often, there are simple issues you can troubleshoot yourself:
- Thermostat issues
- Stuck valves
- Faulty controls
Don’t worry. We’ll get your HVAC fixed. Below is what our team recommends. If these steps don’t work, you may end up with a heater broken without immediate service from a professional HVAC technician.
Don’t ignore a heater that won’t shut off; book a same-day service appointment to get the issue fixed safely.
Why a Heater Running Constantly Is a Concern
Homeowners have a right to be concerned about one of their home’s major systems not working properly. A heater not working is a different issue than one that won’t shut off due to a stuck thermostat.
When your system is “on” constantly, it will cause:
- Excessive wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of breakdowns.
- A thermostat stuck open causes energy costs to increase.
- Risks of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning increase (for gas systems).
You might be able to avoid a complete heat pump installation if you take action today. Read through our list of causes for systems staying on too long and call us if the problem persists.
6 Common Reasons Your Heat Won’t Turn Off
If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, we recommend professional repair. Your heater won’t shut off – it’s still fixable – and better than a heater not working at all.
Our team will diagnose the issue and make quick repairs.
If your heater is already broken, we’ll discuss your repair or replacement options.
1. Thermostat Issues Preventing the Heater From Shutting Off
One of the most common calls we receive for our heating services deals with thermostat issues. A few concerns may be:
- Your thermostat is stuck open
- Faulty sensors
- Wiring problems
- System malfunction
A heater’s inability to turn on or off could be caused by thermostats.
Troubleshooting Tip: Check the Thermostat Setting
Is your fan setting “on” vs “auto?” “On” means that the system will remain on while auto-adjusting based on the internal temperature. Call us for furnace repair in San Francisco to learn more.
2. Electrical Issues Causing the Heater to Shut Down or Cycle Incorrectly
Electrical issues can affect how your heater cycles or shuts off. A heater not working in the house may be:
- Circuit breaker issues
- Blown fuses
We’ll come perform furnace repair in Pleasanton if these issues persist.
Troubleshooting Tip: Check the Circuit Breaker or Fuse Box
Is your heat not coming on or your heater keeps turning off? Check your circuit breakers. If the system’s switch is turned off, turn it back on. Recheck in a few hours. If it is tripped again, there’s an electrical issue.
3. Ignition System Problems Preventing the Gas Heater from Starting
Help, my heater is not working! You may be dealing with faulty HVAC controls, or it could be your ignition system.
Gas models require ignition to start up.
Troubleshooting Tip: Inspect the Pilot Light or Ignition System
Locate the pilot light and see if it’s lit. If not, look for signs of dust, soot or corrosion. Call us to discuss a new heat pump installation in San Francisco, CA, or inquire about repairs.
4. Clogged Air Filters Blocking Heater Operation
Sometimes, the fix is easy. Sometimes, a heater that won’t shut off is caused by restricted airflow from a dirty air filter.
Troubleshooting Tip: Check and Replace the Air Filter
Locate your filter, remove and inspect it. If it’s dirty, replace it. A common sign of this issue is a heater keeps turning off.
Still have problems? We offer heating and cooling in Walnut Creek, CA, that can help.
5. Faulty Blower Motor Preventing Proper Air Circulation
If your system runs continuously or the fan won’t shut off, the blower motor may be the issue. If you have this issue where an HVAC fan won’t turn off, it may be your blower motor.
Troubleshooting Tip: Listen for Unusual Sounds or Inspect the Blower
Squealing, grinding, rattling, thumping or whining sounds are a sign that you need immediate heat pump service.
6. Furnace Safety Switch Preventing Heater from Turning On
Have the opposite problem: HVAC fan won’t turn off? It may be an issue with the furnace safety switch.
Troubleshooting Tip: Inspect for Blockages and Reset the Safety Switch
Call for furnace repair in Concord, CA if the issue persists.
When to Stop Troubleshooting a Heater That Won’t Shut Off
Heater not turning on in the house? You can take several actions to troubleshoot the issue.
When clients call us saying, “My heater is not working,” here’s what we suggest.
What You Can Fix Yourself (The 15-Minute Checklist)
My heater is not working. What can I do?
We get this question from so many clients when their heater is broken. Try these fixes before you call the pros:
- Change your filter
- Check air vents
- Reset the breaker
When to Call an HVAC Professional
Still have a problem with your heater not turning on in the house? It’s time to schedule a furnace checkup. Professional service is necessary when you experience:
- Electrical issues
- Grinding noises
- Persistent issues even after a breaker reset
A pro will find the issue. You may need repairs, heating maintenance or you may need a new heating system installation.
Common Causes Behind Continuous Heater Operation
Is your heater running constantly? Issues like this can be caused by a number of things, including:
Thermostat Set Too High
The heater is not working? Check your thermostat. It may be set higher than necessary, causing your unit to run constantly.
Undersized Heating System
Your heating system might be too small for your house if it won’t shut off. The unit runs constantly because it lacks the power to attain the desired temperature.
Heat Loss in the Home
Is the electric heater not working in the house? It could be due to:
- Poor insulation
- Drafty windows and doors
- Leaky ductwork
When heat is allowed to escape, the system runs constantly to compensate.
Old Unit
Is your heater not turning on but AC works? The problem may be the age of your unit. Systems that are 10+ years old should be replaced.
Preventive Tips for Avoiding This Issue in the Future
If your furnace keeps running or your electric heater not working in the house, professional repairs will fix the problem now. But preventive heat pump maintenance can help avoid this issue later on down the road.
Use these heater maintenance tips to prevent furnace repair in the future.
- Set up regular maintenance for your HVAC system: Regular maintenance finds problems early and keeps your system running well.
- Change filters every 30 to 60 days, depending on usage.
- Checks every season: Check your unit every season and fix any problems right away.
- Install a programmable thermostat to save money and energy.
Need Help? Let Our HVAC Pros Diagnose It Fast
Is your electric heater not working in the house? Does your furnace keep running after the temperature is reached? You may need regular HVAC service, heat pump repair or even residential air conditioning services.
At Chill Heating & Cooling, we know that when a heater is constantly running, it costs you money.
Request a call today to book a home visit and diagnose your heater’s problem
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