Why Does My Furnace Keep Shutting Off?

Is your furnace struggling to cycle consistently? Call top-rated HVAC professionals from Comfort Specialists for furnace maintenance and repairs.

During wintertime, there’s nothing as comforting as walking into your home and relinquishing your winter clothes. However, homes with heating issues will quickly become susceptible to the cold winter air. Your furnace cycling on and off can cause uncomfortable, cold interiors.

You might wonder, “Why does my furnace keep shutting off?” Later in this blog, we’ll discuss the various issues that can cause inconsistent cycling for furnaces and boilers. Learning about these problems can help prevent heating system issues that cause cold interiors.

When your furnace needs maintenance, hire only reliable HVAC professionals in Fairfield, NJ. At Comfort Specialists, our licensed heating system experts bring the best tools and techniques to resolve any problems. Schedule online today to receive a discount on your first service!

How a Furnace Heats Your Home

Before asking, “Why does my furnace keep shutting off?” it’s important to understand how heating systems warm your home. It’s actually normal for your furnace to turn off and on throughout the day. 

After setting your desired temperature, your furnace cycles and heats air throughout your home to reach your desired warmth. Once your system adequately heats your home, it shuts off until the temperature drops again.

Considering this cycling, it’s not necessarily a problem if your furnace shuts on and off.  But your system shouldn't shut off immediately after you turn it on. In these cases, your heating system cycles inconsistently and may need repairs.

Common Furnace Issues Causing Shutdowns

These five common causes of inconsistent furnace cycling will require professional attention. Remaining aware of these issues avoids furnace safety concerns that could threaten your home.

Dirty Flame Sensor Rod

The flame sensor in your furnace monitors the ignition function. This small metal rod can accumulate dirt and dust over time that inhibits its ability to monitor the furnace flame.

Because the flame sensor performs an essential safety function, dirty sensors will automatically shut down your system. If your system somehow keeps running, it could cause a dangerous gas leak in your home. Call HVAC experts to clean your flame sensor.

Overheating Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger performs the furnace’s primary heating function. Without a functioning heat exchanger, your system would not heat your home.

When dust and debris enter your system, it can cause overheating in the heat exchanger. Overheating will force your system to automatically shut down to avoid safety issues. HVAC experts from Comfort Specialists can clean your system and inspect your heat exchanger to prevent overheating.

Poor Airflow

Many different factors can cause poor airflow to your furnace. From dirty filters to mechanical problems, poor airflow can plague your system with a host of problems. 

Restricted airflow serves as one of the top culprits for problems with furnace cycling on and off. Scheduling routine system maintenance prevents airflow issues.

Oversized Unit

Your furnace needs to be the right size for your home to function properly. Both furnaces that are too small or large for your property will most likely have cycling problems.

Oversized furnaces will heat your home too quickly, causing it to shut off frequently and eventually lead to power issues. Undersized units overwork to achieve your desired temperature, leading to cycling problems.

Thermostat Malfunction

Your thermostat settings are essential to keep your system functioning properly. If your thermostat malfunctions or the settings change, your furnace will likely experience inconsistent cycling issues. Professionals can recalibrate your thermostat to restore optimal HVAC functioning.

Furnace Troubleshooting Tips

When you start noticing furnace cycling issues, these troubleshooting tips can help identify the root of the problem. Some of the top furnace troubleshooting tips include:

• Restarting your system
• Changing your air filters
• Checking your breakers
• Adjusting your thermostat
• Removing objects from areas near vents

The only way to accurately identify the cause of cycling issues is to call professionals for inspections and maintenance. 

Enlist Top-Rated Furnace Repair with Experts from Comfort Specialists

When your furnace is not blowing hot air from heating system problems, it can quickly make your home cold and uncomfortable. That’s why it’s important to call expert service professionals for repair to avoid long-term issues.

Comfort Specialists HVAC professionals use the best tools and techniques to resolve furnace problems in your home. Our comprehensive services also include offerings for air conditioning and electrical system maintenance. Schedule online today to get $25 off your first service. 

Still asking yourself, "Why does my furnace keep shutting off?" Get efficient repairs for common furnace issues by calling (973) 490-4881 to schedule services from the top-rated HVAC professionals at Comfort Specialists.