Why Is My Furnace Running Constantly? Causes and Solutions

Woman in front of chalkboard with WHY? written above her head wondering why furnace is running constantly

The HVAC unit in a home is responsible for both heating and cooling. In the winter, your furnace works to keep your home warm by circulating heated air. If you find that your furnace is constantly running, it could be due to a few different reasons.

Read on to understand how a furnace works and why it might constantly be running.

What Is A Furnace, And How Does It Work?

A furnace is a heating system which uses natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity to heat your home. The furnace blows warm air through a network of ducts that deliver the warmth to different rooms in your house.

There are different types of furnaces:

1) Central furnace: A central furnace is the most common. It's located in a basement or garage and uses ductwork to distribute warmth throughout your house.

2) Wall furnace: A wall furnace is mounted on an exterior wall and doesn’t require ductwork.

The most common type of furnace is a gas furnace, which uses natural gas to heat your home.

3) Oil furnace: They use oil to heat your home and require a storage tank for the oil.

4) Electric: Electric furnaces use electricity to heat coils, which then warm the air.

Read more: What Are the Different Types of Furnaces?

Reasons Why Your Furnace May Be Running Constantly

1) Clogged Filters: When the filters are clogged, it restricts airflow and causes the furnace to overheat. It is the most common reason for furnaces to run constantly. It is crucial to change your furnace filters every few months or more often if you have pets.

2) Blower Issues: If the blower is not working correctly, it can cause the furnace to overheat and run constantly. It is essential to have a professional inspect and repair the blower if it is not working correctly.

3) Thermostat Issues: The thermostat is responsible for telling the furnace when to turn on and off. If a thermostat is not working correctly, it could cause the furnace to run constantly. Thermostat issues are usually caused by a bad battery, loose wires, or a faulty thermostat.

A common cause of the furnace running constantly is a dirty flame sensor if you have a gas furnace. The flame sensor is a safety device that tells the furnace when the burner is lit. If the sensor is dirty, it can cause the furnace to think the burner is not lit and will keep trying to ignite it. It can cause the furnace to run constantly.

4) The Temperature is Set Too High: If the temperature is too high, the furnace will constantly run to reach the desired temperature. It is usually not the most efficient way to heat your home and can cause your energy bills to be higher than average.

For the best HVAC service in Atlanta, contact Moncrief. We offer furnace repair, installation, and maintenance services.