Why Does My Furnace Keep Turning Off?
When you’re dealing with a furnace that keeps turning off, winter nights quickly make your home cold and uncomfortable. Thankfully, the amount of time your furnace does stay on can give expert HVAC technicians insight into where the issue stems from.
The experts at Milestone in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX compiled everything you need to know about why your HVAC system keeps turning off and five reasons that cause it to fail. Keep reading to learn more about your furnace system and how to best protect it moving forward.
Why Does My Furnace Keep Turning Off?
At this point, you’re likely wondering, “why does my gas or electric heater keep turning off?” When your furnace shuts off early, it can indicate a variety of issues. To pinpoint the source of your furnace’s cycle issues, it’s typically easiest to assess the time your furnace stayed on before shutting off. Furnace cycling issues can be caused by rust and corrosion, dirty air filters, a blocked heat exchanger, poor airflow, and pilot light problems.
1- Furnace Keeps Shutting Off After a Few Seconds Due to Rust
If your furnace keeps turning off before reaching the intended temperature, the culprits are likely rust and corrosion. Rust is a result of invasive water damage like corrosion, humidity, or leaks in your furnace system. HVAC technicians can help you with waterproofing measures and draining your condensate drain so no water pools and invades your system from its internal functions. Keeping water away from your furnace will also help keep moldy smells away from your home.
2- Furnace Shutting Off After 30 Seconds Indicates Short-Cycling
If your furnace is shutting off after 30 seconds, you have a short-cycling problem likely caused by a blocked heat exchanger. It’s important to call a trained HVAC technician to inspect your system immediately if you experience issues that may be due to heat exchanger failure. That’s because a faulty heat exchanger can become a fire hazard to your home, putting your family and belongings at risk. Professional technicians can identify the severity of your short-cycling.
3- Furnace Shuts Off After 15 Minutes Due to a Dirty Air Filter
If your furnace shuts off after 15 minutes, a dirty air filter is likely blocking your heat. It’s important to change dirty air filters at least every 90 days to avoid harmful debris build-up that obstructs your system’s functions and distributes unhealthy air throughout your home. Some furnace filters are designed to last longer and can go six months between replacements. It’s important to learn which filter your system has, so you don’t miss vital furnace maintenance.
4- Furnace Fan Keeps Turning Off Due to Poor Airflow
If your furnace fan keeps turning off, your system is likely experiencing poor airflow. Sometimes, airflow is an easy fix that isn’t found deep in your furnace system. Homeowners can test airflow issues at home by opening and cleaning their vents to ensure your furnace’s exit plan isn’t blocking air from leaving your furnace and entering your home.
5- Furnace Keeps Turning On and Off and Blowing Cold Air Signaling Pilot Light Problems
If your furnace blower turns on and off repeatedly, it is likely suffering from pilot light problems. Your pilot light communicates with your thermocouple to keep your gas line open. If your thermocouple is broken or dirty, it will impede gas from flowing to your system and powering your furnace correctly. This can cause it to turn on and off as tiny bits of gas escape.
The Milestone Tune-Up™ Protects Your Furnace
The Milestone Tune-Up™ keeps your furnace performing at its best and extends its lifespan. In addition, furnace maintenance keeps your monthly heating costs low. If you’re located in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX area, the Technicians at Milestone can schedule and complete your furnace tune-up on time and with safety in mind. Our furnace tune-up checks for proper filtration, handles gas leak testing, completes seasonal maintenance, and tests your thermostat.
Our Technicians have been serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2004, with full-service home improvement options. This wide range of services includes heating, cooling, plumbing, drain cleaning, electrical, indoor air quality, and garage door repairs, installation, and maintenance. We can help you transform your home into the space you want and need.
Are you looking for reliable furnace repairs and installations in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX? Founded by family for families in our community, we understand your home fixtures and your family needs. If you’re not 100% satisfied, then we’re not done. Don’t hesitate to call our expert Team today to book your services, at (214) 717-6708.
