The 7 Most Common Reasons Your Furnace is Shutting Itself Off

Image of a dirty air filter.

23 Mar The 7 Most Common Reasons Your Furnace is Shutting Itself Off

Chief Heating & Cooling’s staff fields a lot of calls and answers a lot of questions from homeowners and business owners whose furnaces mysteriously shut themselves off for no apparent reason. It’s frustrating, and even more so on super cold days like we get in Lee’s Summit during winter.

While the reason your furnace is shutting off could be any number of things, we talked to our HVAC experts to find out more about the causes. Here are the seven most common reasons. Some are easily fixed yourself, like replacing a dirty air filter, but others require an expert to diagnose and repair. Feel free to contact us for an appointment to troubleshoot and service your furnace.

  1. Your air filter is dirty.

One of the most common reasons for a furnace to shut off is a dirty air filter. Your furnace’s air filter is responsible for filtering out dust, dirt and other debris from the air before it is circulated throughout your home. If your filter becomes clogged, it can cause your furnace to shut off as a safety feature to prevent damage to the furnace. To fix this problem, simply replace your air filter on a regular basis. If you have pets, be sure to change your air filter more frequently.

  1. There is an issue with your thermostat.

Another common reason why your furnace might shut off has nothing to do with your furnace, but instead with your thermostat. If your thermostat is not calibrated properly or is malfunctioning, it can cause your furnace to shut off. Also, if your thermostat is located in an area of your home that is warmer than the rest of your house, it can cause your furnace to shut off prematurely because it’s reading the warmer temperature. To fix this problem, consider replacing your thermostat or moving it to a more central location in your home.

  1. Your furnace is overheating.

Furnaces are designed with safety features that prevent them from overheating. If your furnace is overheating, it can cause it to shut off as a safety feature, which protects the furnace and your home from a possible fire. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a dirty air filter, a malfunctioning blower motor or a clogged air duct. If a new air filter doesn’t solve the problem, it’s a more serious issue. Call an HVAC technician with Chief Heating & Cooling to diagnose the issue and make any necessary repairs.

  1. Furnace maintenance has been nil or inconsistent.

Furnaces, like any other appliance, require regular maintenance to ensure they continue operating efficiently and properly. If your furnace has not been serviced in some time or you bought a home and don’t have the maintenance records for your furnace, it’s time to schedule a service call to not only fix this problem, but also check for other looming issues. Regular maintenance can help prevent problems with your furnace, prolong its lifespan and keep it running efficiently to reduce your utility bills. Learn more about our Chief Protection Plan that helps you put regular maintenance on autopilot.

  1. The furnace’s ignition system is faulty.

If your furnace is equipped with an electronic ignition system, it could be malfunctioning and causing your furnace to shut off. If this is the case, an HVAC technician will need to diagnose the problem and replace any faulty components.

  1. The furnace’s burner is dirty.

If your furnace’s burner is dirty, it can cause the furnace to shut off. A dirty burner can cause a variety of problems, such as poor combustion, reduced heat output, and even carbon monoxide leaks. This is a serious, and potentially life-threatening problem. Call your HVAC technician out immediately. If you suspect a dirty burner, turn off your furnace until it can be repaired.

  1. There’s a problem with the furnace’s pilot light.

A pilot light that is not properly lit or is malfunctioning can cause your furnace to shut off. This is another time to call your HVAC technician. Pilot lights are nothing to mess with if you’re not comfortable working with them.

If You’re Not Certain Why Your Furnace is Shutting Off, Call Chief Heating & Cooling

If your furnace is shutting off, address the problem sooner versus later to prevent further damage and ensure that your home stays warm and comfortable. If you are unsure of what is causing your furnace to shut off, it is best to call a highly recommended HVAC company, like Chief Heating & Cooling, to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.

Our HVAC experts are standing by. Contact us today.