Why Won’t My Furnace Stop Running?

Is your furnace blowing air without pause? If so, you’re probably feeling a bit concerned—and your Lawrence house most likely feels like an oven. On top of that, your utility bill will be considerably higher with your furnace constantly running.

Believe it or not, this is a fairly common problem our professionals at Field Plumbing & Heating see frequently, so you don’t need to worry—we can help! However, before you rush to call us, troubleshoot some common solutions. If they work, you save yourself a repair fee. If they don’t, then you know you definitely need professional furnace repair.

Don’t let a runaway furnace ruin your home’s comfort—read on to find out how to get your heating system back on track.

DIY Furnace Repair

Several factors could be at play, from something as simple as a thermostat setting to more complex issues like a malfunctioning limit switch or clogged air filters. Understanding why your furnace is overworking is crucial not only for your comfort but also for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your heating system.

Before calling in a professional, check these three things:

1.  Be sure you have the right thermostat settings.

     Trust us, you’d be surprised at how often a setting is off. Be sure your thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature. Setting it to ultra-high temperatures may cause it to run constantly.

     For an eco-friendly setting, ENERGY STAR® recommends keeping it 7 to 10 degrees cooler when you are sleeping during the winter to save on utility costs.

     Additionally, be sure to set your thermostat to Auto instead of On. The On setting causes it to run constantly instead of incrementally.

2.  Check the filter.

     If you haven’t changed your furnace filter in a while, this could be the source of the problem. Over time, dust and debris clog your filter. This constricts airflow, which means the furnace has to work extra hard to maintain the desired temperature in your Michigan home. Depending on how clogged the filter is your unit may be running nonstop.

     Keep extra filters on hand for moments like this when you realize too much time has passed between filter changes. Make it even easier by using our online filter store to keep yourself well-stocked.

3.  Check the pilot light.

     If the pilot light underneath the furnace is out, it can’t generate heat. In many cases, this causes your furnace to run continuously because it can’t reach the desired temperature. If the pilot light goes out repeatedly, call one of our knowledgeable and highly trained experts.

Professional Furnace Repair

If none of the previous steps worked, schedule a repair with the knowledgeable experts around the greater Lawrence area: Field Plumbing & Heating.

Here are three potential problems requiring our professional help:

1.  Leaky ducts

     If any of your ducts are punctured, torn, blocked, or have a broken seal, this means heat isn’t being circulated properly. You’re losing heat—and your money via energy consumption calculated at the end of the month. One of our professionals can run a thermal analysis to determine the location of the leaks and repair your ductwork.

2.  Broken fan motor

     When your fan motor is obstructed, broken, or otherwise faulty, it can’t operate at full capacity. That means it has to run continuously to reach the set temperature. Unusual noises from your furnace are a sign you have a broken motor. Our expert furnace repair technicians have well-stocked vehicles to handle most repair needs like this one.

3.  Thermostat malfunction

     Your thermostat is the brain of the operation. When it sends the wrong information to your furnace, a number of things can go bad. If everything appears fine with your thermostat but is the cause of your furnace constantly running, it could have a broken relay switch, or your thermostat could be producing an inaccurate temperature reading.

Contact Us for All Your Furnace Needs

A furnace that won’t stop running can be frustrating, but understanding the root cause can help you address the issue before it becomes a costly problem. Whether it’s a simple fix like adjusting your thermostat or a more complex issue requiring professional attention, early action can save you money and keep your home comfortable.

Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are key to ensuring your furnace runs efficiently and reliably throughout the heating season. If you’re unsure about the cause of your furnace’s constant operation, don’t hesitate to contact Lawrence’s trusted HVAC professional— Field Plumbing & Heating —for a thorough inspection and expert advice. Your home’s comfort and energy efficiency depend on it!

We want our neighbors here in Lawrence, MI, to come to a happy, healthy furnace every night this season. To restore your unit to optimal condition, call us at 269-674-3839 or request service online today.