Why Does My Furnace Keep Shutting Off?

If you're like most homeowners, you have a furnace that heats your home in the winter months. A working system will turn on when the temperature gets below the setting on your thermostat. Unfortunately, sometimes your furnace may not cycle and will shut off too soon. This can be due to many different factors.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

Your thermostat is the brain of your entire heating system. When it malfunctions, it can cause other components of your heating system to shut off as well. This could be due to old wiring or an internal failed component. Whatever the case, it's best to have your thermostat examined by an HVAC professional.

Faulty Flame Sensor

Another reason that your furnace may turn off is that it's not sensing a flame. The flame sensor is a necessary component of your system. It helps to turn off the gas when it senses that the flame has gone out. This helps to prevent excess gas from seeping into the air in your home. When the flame sensor becomes faulty, it will shut off your furnace. This is because it thinks that there's no flame even though there is one.

Poor Airflow

One common issue that will prevent your furnace from cycling is poor airflow. There are many indirect issues that could be causing this issue. First is a dirty air filter. When the air filter is full of debris, it won't be able to force air through it. When there's a dirty blower wheel, it won't be as efficient and may even stop working altogether. Blocked air supply vents can also disrupt the airflow in your ducting. This can cause your furnace to shut off early.

Oversized Furnace

If the furnace in your home is too big for the square footage of your house, it will likely short cycle. The problem is that it will get to the temperature set on your thermostat too early. The furnace won't be able to go through a complete cycle. Unfortunately, the only way to fix this issue is to install a furnace that is the correct size for your home.

Clogged Flue Pipe

Another reason your furnace may turn off without warning is due to a clogged flue pipe. This can happen when sticks, leaves, dirt, and other debris end up inside the flue pipe. When there is a blockage in the pipe, the hot gasses will build up in your furnace and cause it to overheat. Due to the modern safety features, it will trigger your furnace to shut down when it overheats.

Call Us Today

If you're experiencing issues with your furnace, contact our HVAC professionals. One of our experienced HVAC professionals will be able to examine your system. We can provide you with the recommended repairs to get it working again.