With sub-freezing temperatures and frigid nights, a functioning furnace is critical to your comfort in Kalamazoo. But, we can’t expect our heating systems to work perfect;ly year round, without proper maintenance and servicing.
If you have a furnace that keeps shutting off, you’re not alone. This is a common experience we at Temperature Pro Kalamazoo get calls for throughout the peak winter months. Our experts understand the local climate, and we specialise in keeping your home warm and comfortable – no matter the weather.
Let’s dive into the top reason why your furnace keeps turning on and shutting off, and how we can help.
Why Does My Furnace Keep Shutting Off? Insights from Kalamazoo’s Furnace Experts
In Kalamazoo, furnaces are essential, and we see many of the same issues. Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes of “my furnace keeps shutting off”:
- Overheating: A Frequent Winter Issue
- With heavy furnace use, overheating is a primary concern.
- Clogged Air Filters: Especially common during peak heating season.
- Blocked Vents: Furniture rearrangements or snow buildup can cause this.
- Faulty Blower Motor: Essential for proper airflow in our cold climate.
- Oversized Furnace: A less common issue, but still possible.
- Flame Sensor Issues:
- Dirty or faulty sensors are a common culprit in Kalamazoo’s older homes.
- Thermostat Problems:
- Especially with sudden temperature changes.
- Electrical Issues:
- Age and wear can cause issues.
- Exhaust Flue Problems:
- Snow and ice can create blockages.
Overheating:
During Kalamazoo’s long and demanding winters, furnaces work tirelessly to keep homes warm. This heavy usage makes overheating a primary concern. The constant cycling to maintain desired temperatures can strain your system, leading to shutdowns if the furnace’s internal components become too hot. It’s a common problem we see, especially during the coldest stretches when your furnace is working overtime.
If your furnace is shutting off due to overheating, you can replace the filter yourself. If the problem is persistent, call a professional to diagnose underlying causes.
Clogged Air Filters:
As furnaces run more frequently during peak heating season in Kalamazoo, air filters become clogged much faster. Dust, pet dander, and other airborne particles accumulate, restricting airflow. This forces the furnace to work harder, which can lead to overheating. Regular filter changes are crucial to prevent this and maintain efficient operation throughout the winter. Most homeowners can easily replace the filter themselves, but our experts are always happy to help you through the process.
Blocked Vents:
In Kalamazoo, blocked vents are a common issue. Furniture rearrangements can inadvertently obstruct airflow, and snow buildup around exterior vents can also create blockages. These obstructions prevent proper air circulation, causing the furnace to overheat and shut down. It’s essential to ensure all vents are clear and unobstructed, both inside and outside your home. Clear any obstructions from your vents both inside and outside your home, and if the problem persists, give our experts a call.
Faulty Blower Motor:
The blower motor is critical for circulating heated air throughout your Kalamazoo home. In our cold climate, proper airflow is essential for efficient heating. A faulty blower motor can’t move air effectively, leading to overheating and furnace shutdowns. This can result in uneven heating and uncomfortable temperatures, especially during our harsh winters. A furnace that keeps shutting off due to a faulty blower motor is best addressed by an HVAC professional.
Flame Sensor Issues:
The flame sensor is a crucial safety component in your furnace, designed to detect the presence of a burner flame. Over time, this sensor can become dirty or corroded, leading to inaccurate readings. If the sensor fails to detect a flame, it will trigger the furnace to shut down as a safety precaution.
While some homeowners might attempt to clean a flame sensor themselves, it’s a delicate component, and improper handling can cause further damage. If your furnace repeatedly shuts down and you suspect a flame sensor issue, it’s best to call a qualified HVAC technician to ensure proper diagnosis and repair.
Electrical Issues:
Like any electrical appliance, your furnace relies on a network of wiring and connections to function correctly. Loose wires, frayed insulation, or faulty electrical components can disrupt the flow of power, leading to intermittent shutdowns.
Electrical problems can be dangerous to troubleshoot without proper training, and attempting DIY repairs could lead to electrical shock or further damage to your furnace. If you suspect electrical issues are causing your furnace to shut down, it’s essential to contact a professional HVAC technician who has the expertise to safely diagnose and repair any electrical problems.
What About a Furnace That Won’t Shut off?
Even though the main issue is shutting off, sometimes homeowners call for help because their furnace is not shutting off.
When this happens, there are a few things you can troubleshoot before calling in the professionals. Often, a furnace that won’t shut off is due to a thermostat or relay problem, which we can help with.
DIY Checks:
- Replace air filters regularly.
- Ensure vents are clear of snow and obstructions.
- Check thermostat batteries.
Call TemperaturePro Kalamazoo When:
- You suspect electrical or gas/oil issues.
- The problem persists.
- You smell gas or suspect a flame rollout.
- When you are not comfortable working on your furnace.
- If your “furnace keeps shutting off and needs to be reset” repeatedly, call us.
For a Furnace that Keeps Shutting Off, Call TemperaturePro Kalamazoo!
In Kalamazoo, a reliable furnace is essential. Don’t let a furnace that keeps shutting off leave you in the cold. TemperaturePro Kalamazoo is your local expert, ready to solve your furnace problems quickly and efficiently.
