Why does my furnace keep shutting off?

There is typically a sense of anxiety when you notice something isn’t quite right with your furnace. You’re sitting 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 more frequently 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 air filters also help keep your system clean. Your first step when you recognize a concern with your system should be examining 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 lots of us, we may have set our thermostats several months ago and forgot about it, especially when using a smart or programmable thermostat. Look at your thermostat to see if anything unfamiliar is occurring or if it could need new batteries. The placement of your thermostat could make a difference, as well. If it’s located in a place that’s often hotter than the rest of your space, such as in direct sunlight or near another heat source, it could be falsely 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 regularly. 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 by yourself, if issues still persist after these checks, it might be time to call in the professionals. When your furnace is consistently turning off, it can result in unnecessary work and stress on your system that could lead to more expensive repairs or even a replacement.

Our experts are happy to help you examine the situation and identify the root of the cause, so you can enjoy the rest of the season with the optimum indoor comfort. If you have questions, call us at 260-557-1275 or check out our online scheduler to conveniently request an appointment.