Having a furnace in your house to keep you warm and cozy when it is freezing outside is a blessing. However, just with anything, furnaces tend to experience problems as well. A common problem is that the furnace runs constantly. While it depends on the temperature, the furnace should not work continuously to maintain the temperature and you should check it yourself or by furnace repair services.
So, we are going to take a look at why your furnace might be running nonstop and what you can do about it.
Blower Issues
The first thing you need to check if your furnace is running nonstop is the blower. If you notice that the furnace is running but is blowing cool air, it means there is some issue with it. It might be that there is a shortage somewhere that is causing the blowers to malfunction.
Although, you can inspect the blower for any corroded wires or damage, etc. but do not attempt to fix the issue on your own. You can end up electrocuting yourself.
Dirty/Clogged Filter
If you observe that the air coming from the vents is warm but the airflow is weak, it means the filters are most likely clogged. Furnaces come with filters installed as well just like the air conditioners. These filters make sure toxicants are removed from the air before it is distributed inside the house.
As a result, these filters are prone to getting dirty and clogged with time. Furthermore, clogged filters prevent the necessary air from moving into the furnace. This leads to a failure in reaching the desired indoor temperature.
Consult the user’s manual and check the replacement or cleaning interval. It might be that the filters need to be replaced. So, make sure you opt for the exact replacements.
Thermostat Issues
Next, you will need to check for thermostat issues. Ensure that the thermostat is to “ON” settings instead of “Auto”. The reason is that if the settings are set to “ON”, the furnace might run constantly. However, if it is turned to the “Auto” position, the furnace should turn off as soon as it reaches the required temperature.
But if you notice that the furnace keeps running considering the thermostat settings are correct, it means that there is something wrong with the thermostat. In this case, you will need to consult a specialist who will replace it for you.
Pilot Light Issues
If you own an older furnace, it might have a pilot light that stays lit as long as the furnace is on. If that is the case, you will observe your furnace only blowing cool air and running constantly. So, if the pilot system has some issues, it might be causing the furnace to run constantly. You will need to contact a specialist to fix the issue.
The Furnace Is The Wrong Size
Another possible reason for your furnace to be running non-stop is if it is of the wrong size. This is one of the most common problems out there as homeowners ignore this basic factor. An wrong sized furnace will not be able to tackle a room that is either too small or big.
Choosing the correct furnace size is critical. This is why buyers are suggested to measure the room size and purchase the furnace accordingly. If the room happens to be big but the furnace is small, it will run constantly to achieve the desired temperature. This would only lead to higher energy bills in the future.
How Often Should My Furnace Cycle In The Winter?
The winter season can give your furnace a tough time. After months of being dormant, your furnace suddenly finds itself working overtime. So, it will undergo some stress. Prepare your furnace for winter before using.
Furnaces are designed to cycle multiple times during the day. However, if it cycles throughout the day, it might indicate a problem. There is no universal answer to how many times your furnace should cycle in a day. But it should not be cycling throughout the day. Anything between 3 to 8 times per hour is considered normal.
Final Word
In the end, a furnace running non-stop is not something normal. If that is the case, you will need to follow the tips mentioned above or consult furnace services Long Island if the situation seems more complicated.