Why does my furnace keep shutting off?

There is typically a sense of dismay when you recognize 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 several items 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 air inside your home cleaner, but the filters also help keep your system clean. Your first step when you recognize an issue with your system should be checking your air filter to see if it needs to be replaced. If it’s clogged or dirty, it can make it tough for air to flow over the heat exchanger.
2. Look at your thermostat—For lots of us, we may have set our thermostats months ago and forgot about it, especially when using a smart or programmable thermostat. Look at your thermostat to see if anything strange is going on or if it might need new batteries. The placement of your thermostat could make a difference, as well. If it’s located in a place that’s typically hotter than the rest of your house, such as in direct sunlight or close to another heat source, it could be mistakenly assuming your home is already up to the desired temperature.
3. Check out your windows for proper insulation—If your home doesn’t have the right insulation, your furnace is likely to shut off more often. Walk around your home and check the windows to make sure they are all closed and inspect the seals around your windows for any drafts or cold air coming into the house.

While you can review these issues on your own, if issues still occur after these checks, it might be time to call in the professionals. When your furnace is consistently turning off, it can end up forcing unnecessary work and stress on your system that could produce more expensive repairs or even a replacement.

Our experts are here to help you examine the situation and identify the root of the cause, so you can enjoy the rest of the season with the best indoor comfort. If you have questions, give us a call at 780-800-9047 or check out our online scheduler to conveniently request an appointment.