Why Does My Furnace Keep Shutting Off?

There is always a sense of anxiety when you realize something isn’t quite right with your furnace. You’re resting at home and you hear your furnace is endlessly kicking in and shutting off. However, before you panic, there are some things you can check when you realize your furnace seems to be shutting off a lot more than it should be.

1. Check the air filter in your furnace—You may think that air filters are only used to help keep the indoor air cleaner, but air filters also work to keep your system clean. Your first step when you recognize a concern with your system should be taking a look at your air filter to see if it needs replacement. If it’s clogged or dirty, it can make it hard for air to flow over the heat exchanger.
2. Look at your thermostat—For many of us, we may have set our thermostats several months ago and forgot about it, even more so when using a smart or programmable thermostat. Look at your thermostat to see if anything strange is occurring or if it may need new batteries. The site of your thermostat could make a difference, as well. If it’s located in a place that’s usually hotter than the rest of your home, such as in direct sunlight or near another heat source, it could be falsely assuming your home reached the desired temperature.
3. Check out your windows for proper insulation—If your home doesn’t have appropriate insulation, your furnace is likely to shut off more frequently. Walk around your home and check the windows to make sure they are all closed and take a look at the seals around your windows for any drafts or cold air entering the home.

While you can certainly check for some of these issues by yourself, if issues still persist after these checks, it might be time to call in the pros. When your furnace is consistently turning off, it can lead to unnecessary work and stress on your system that could cause more costly repairs or even a replacement.

Our experts are willing to help you assess the situation and pinpoint the root of the cause, so you can enjoy the rest of the season with the best indoor comfort. If you have questions, call us at 919-578-4329 or visit our online scheduler to conveniently request an appointment.