Furnaces typically run for 10-15 minutes per cycle, and then shut off until the next cycle begins. However, if your furnace or heating system is experiencing issues, you might notice that it seems to almost never turn off. Not only can this lead to home comfort issues, but it can also cause your energy bills to rise.
In the latest blog post from Edwards Royal Comfort, we’ll discuss some issues that can cause your furnace to run constantly. If you notice any of these furnace problems, be sure to contact your local heating and air conditioning repair company for furnace repair services.
Dirty Air Filter
A furnace’s air filter is designed to catch pollutants like dust, dirt, and pet dander in your air supply before it is distributed throughout your home. Over time, your furnace filter will become clogged with contaminants pulled out of the air supply. This can restrict the airflow’s ability to reach the heat exchanger, not allowing adequate heat to be distributed throughout the home.
When this happens, your furnace will likely stay on for longer periods of time in an effort to reach the temperature that you’ve set on the thermostat. Depending on the severity of the clog in the air filter, your furnace might stay on for prolonged periods and cause your utility costs to climb significantly. Replace your dirty air filter with a new one in order to restore efficiency and effectiveness.
Thermostat Issues
Sometimes, the issue causing a furnace to stay on for longer might not be with the furnace at all. Instead, it could be a faulty thermostat issue. If your home’s thermostat isn’t reading temperatures properly, it might tell your furnace that it needs to stay on, as the desired temperature hasn’t yet been reached.
Another common thermostat issue is caused by setting the temperature too high. On the coldest days of the year, it can be hard for a furnace to keep up with the low outdoor temperatures. Setting the thermostat a few degrees cooler can help your furnace cycle properly.
The System is Set to “On”
In order to get proper cycles out of your furnace, be sure that the system is set to “AUTO”, rather than “ON”. If a furnace is set to “ON”, it simply will not shut off until it’s switched back to “AUTO” or “Off”. A constantly running furnace might experience wear and tear sooner than a furnace that is cycling normally, so be sure to set your system to “AUTO” in order to help it continue cycling normally.
You Have Leaky Air Ducts
A furnace requires ductwork in order to help heated air freely flow throughout the home. If your ductwork contains leaks, warm air will flow out of the ducts before it’s distributed throughout the home. Because less warm air is actually reaching your living areas and raising the temperature, your furnace will stay on for longer periods of time in order to attempt to reach your ideal temperature. Have your ductwork inspected and repaired if you suspect that you have leaky ductwork.
Contact Edwards Royal Comfort for Furnace Repairs
Edwards Royal Comfort is proud to provide furnace services throughout the Greencastle, Crawfordsville, and Danville, IN areas. We’re highly experienced and come equipped with the knowledge needed in order to provide reliable and high-quality furnaces services. Schedule services today to help your home stay safe and comfortable all winter long.