Why does My Heater Keep Turning Off

Why does my heater keep turning off? There are several reasons why your heater keeps turning off, ranging from overheating to an oversized furnace.

When the cold creeps in because the heat doesn’t stay on, you need help from a Las Vegas air conditioning repair company that can quickly assess and repair your system.

Short-Cycling is When Your Heater Keeps Turning Off

Your HVAC system is a complex piece of machinery, and each component and subsystem must function properly to keep your space comfortable and safe.

There are built-in safety measures to prevent malfunctions that could lead to unsafe air or fires. When your heater keeps turning off and on, it’s called short-cycling.

Short cycling can happen for a number of reasons, which we’ll cover in detail here. Regardless of why it’s occurring, it’s a sign you should turn the system off and contact a qualified technician who can assess the problem.

Even if it’s the middle of the night or the weekend, your HVAC company should provide 24/7 heating and air conditioning emergency services. 

You may not realize your heater is having issues until it’s cold enough to need it. By then, you could have a major problem. By checking a few items or bringing an experienced HVAC team, you can prevent potential hazards and get your family comfortable again.

Common Reasons Why Your Heater Keeps Turning Off

When that first cool night happens in autumn, you reach for the thermostat to switch your system over and warm things up. As for when you should turn your heat on, we generally recommend doing so once temps outside drop below 64°Fahrenheit.

Here are some of the most common reasons our technicians have seen to explain why your heater keeps turning off:

Your Heat Exchanger Is Overheating

Your furnace makes hot air, which is transported around your air ducts to flow out the vents and warm your home. If that air doesn’t circulate properly, it becomes too warm, and the heat exchanger can get overheated. To prevent a fire or damage to the system, the heat exchange will switch off.

If the exchanger keeps overheating, it keeps turning off, leading to short cycling. To troubleshoot this yourself, check your furnace air filters and replace them if they’re dirty. You could also try cleaning the furnace’s blower wheel or calling in a professional HVAC technician to do so.

Your Air Filters Are Dirty

A major reason why your heater keeps turning off is due to dirt, dust, and other substances building up on the components of your HVAC system.

Dirt makes it difficult for the air to move around your home, making your furnace work harder and potentially overheating. Changing your air filters could be the simple fix to get your heater performing properly again.

You Have Too Many Closed Air Vents in Your Home

One question our technicians hear a lot is, “Should you shut your heating vents in the summer?” If you forget to open them when you turn the heater on, or you’re trying to save energy by not heating all of your homes, it could cause short cycling.

There are many other ways to save energy costs, such as regular maintenance from a well-trained HVAC technician, so open all your air supply vents, even in seldom-used rooms.

Your Flame Sensor Rod Is Dirty

If you have a gas furnace, a flame sensor rod verifies there’s a flame so natural gas doesn’t leak into your home. If this component gets soot on it, it could malfunction, causing the system to short cycle.

Although it’s a valuable safety feature, it can be frustrating when you need your home warmed up, so schedule heating repair services with our trustworthy technicians.

Your Flue Pipe is Blocked

Dirt and blockages make it harder for your furnace to work, so in addition to cleaning the blower wheel and changing the filters, check that nothing is blocking your flue pipe.

The flue pipe allows exhaust from your furnace to exit your home safely, but if debris is inside or on it, your heater could keep turning off so it doesn’t overheat. 

Locate your flue pipe outside of your home and check for any blockages. It may be on the side of your house near your furnace or on the roof. If you don’t feel comfortable accessing it on your own, contact a heating repair company in Las Vegas, AZ, to do the job for you. 

Your Thermostat isn’t Working Properly

Understanding how common furnace thermostats work can help explain why your heating keeps turning off. The thermostat’s sensors or wiring could be faulty, or it may be too close to a vent. The warm air could trick the sensor into thinking your home is already as warm as you like, shutting off the system. 

By contacting a trained professional to assess your heating problem, they can determine if the thermostat is working or needs to be relocated. 

Your Furnace is Too Big for Your Home

When it comes to a new furnace, bigger is not always better. Some HVAC companies may oversell you, getting you to buy a unit that isn’t right for your home’s size. These systems can heat up too quickly when there isn’t enough space for all the hot air they produce.

A competent HVAC professional will perform calculations to ensure your unit is appropriate for your home’s square footage. If you are thinking of updating your old system or you’re building a new home, take some time to speak with a technician so you understand what size system to purchase.

When Your Heater Keeps Turning Off, it Can Cost You

The U.S. Department of Energy provides excellent advice on using, maintaining, and updating furnaces and boilers in residential homes. A short-cycling furnace can increase your energy bills and put your home and HVAC system at risk.

By partnering with a reputable HVAC repair company in Las Vegas, NV, you can reduce these concerns and keep your home pleasant every day of the year.

To learn more about why your heater keeps turning off and how to keep your HVAC system in top working order, contact us today to schedule an appointment with a reliable, responsive, and friendly technician from Ambient Edge.