Updated: 4/16/2024
Having a functional heater in your home makes the winter in American Fork tolerable, but what happens when your heater won’t turn off? Although there are few things worse than being cold and lacking a way to warm your living space up, not being able to stop the flow of hot air when it’s stifling indoors is definitely one of them. The good news is that there are several common causes of this problem, and most of them are fairly easy to resolve.
1. Thermostat Malfunction
When your home is overly hot and the heater won’t turn off, the very first thing that you should check is your thermostat. Make sure it’s set at the correct temperature and set to “AUTO” rather than “ON.” If the thermostat is set correctly but the heater is still running, you may have a broken thermostat or another mechanical issue.
2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
An excessively dirty air filter can cause your heater to blow out hot air continuously. Replace the air filter and wait for normal heater operation to resume. If problems persist, schedule HVAC repairs.
3. Damaged Blower Fan Motor
Issues with the heater’s blower fan motor should be handled by a professional. If the fan limiter switch in the motor is damaged, it will need to be replaced or repaired by a professional to avoid voiding the manufacturer warranty.
4. Leaking Ducts
Leaky supply ducts can cause heated air to be released into unconditioned spaces, leading to continuous operation of the heater. A ductwork inspection can determine the location of the leak, which can then be sealed professionally.
5. Faulty Limit Switch
The limit switch in your furnace or heat pump plays a crucial role in regulating the fan that distributes air throughout your home. If the limit switch is faulty, it may not properly sense the temperature and could cause the fan to run continuously.
6. Thermostat Location
The placement of your thermostat can also affect its ability to accurately measure and control the temperature in your home. If the thermostat is located near a heat source, such as a lamp or direct sunlight, it may register a higher temperature than the rest of your home, causing the heater to run longer than necessary. Consider relocating the thermostat to a more central location away from heat sources for more accurate temperature readings.
7. Incorrectly Sized Heater
If your heater is too large for your home, it may heat your space quickly but then shut off prematurely, only to turn back on shortly after. This short cycling can lead to increased wear and tear on your heater and higher energy bills. Have a professional assess your heating needs to determine if your heater is appropriately sized for your home.
How to Turn Your Heater Off While Waiting for Service
You don’t have to remain in an intolerably hot environment while waiting for HVAC service. Look for the “OFF” switch on your thermostat. Toggling this switch over to the “OFF” position should do the trick. If your thermostat lacks an “OFF” setting and only has “ON” and “AUTO,” you can always turn off power to the entire HVAC system at the circuit breaker. If you check by your furnace or boiler, you might find a clearly labeled and brightly colored “ON/OFF” switch near the actual heating unit. If this switch exists, you can use it in lieu of the circuit breaker.
Just as not having heat in the winter months can make your home uninhabitable, having too much heat can create a living space that few residents can tolerate. Too much heat can also be a health and safety issue. At Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we fix problems like this all the time. We’ve been providing reliable heating and cooling services throughout the American Fork area since 1967. We also offer indoor air quality services, sheet metal fabrication, and solar-powered attic fan installation. If your heater won’t turn off, get in touch with us today to schedule furnace repairs.
