Why Does My Heater Keep Turning Off?

When your heater doesn't run as long as it should, it will heat your home unevenly. You will find that the rooms further away from the heater will be cooler than other parts of your home because the heater hasn't worked long enough to generate adequate heated air to warm up the space.

When you notice uneven heating accompanied by a heater that turns on and off intermittently, your heater has a problem known as short cycling.

So, when you ask, "Why does my heater keep turning off?" you're trying to find out why it's short-cycling. Short-cycling heaters don't complete a regular heating cycle (typically around 15 minutes) before going off.

As the top contractor for residential heating maintenance in Boiling Springs, SC, we have seen all the possible causes of short cycling in heaters, and we'll discuss them in this article.

Clogged Air Filter

Dirty air filters as the cause of your heater troubles sound far-fetched, but it is one of the main causes of HVAC system trouble. A filter clogged with dust and debris can significantly reduce airflow to and from the system. In that situation, your air conditioner or furnace will shut down as a safety precaution.

Fortunately, this is an easy fix; install a new filter or clean the old one (if it's reusable). If you want your heater working at full strength, you should change the filter every one to three months or according to your HVAC contractor's recommended schedule.

Thermostat Problems

If you're stuck wondering, "Why does my heater keep turning off?" even when everything seems normal, you may be ignoring an important component: your thermostat.

The thermostat controls the function of your HVAC system, and a faulty thermostat misreading the temperatures may turn off your heater faster than it should. Similarly, a faulty connection between the thermostat and the heater's control board can also shut down the heater prematurely.

A qualified technician can inspect the connection and recalibrate your thermostat if necessary.

Corroded Flame Sensor

The flame sensor controls the function of the burners in a gas furnace. The sensor will turn off the gas if it doesn't sense flames to prevent gas accumulation in the combustion chamber.

Corrosion will affect the sensor's ability to detect flames. Thus, it will keep your gas valve closed, causing the furnace to keep shutting off when it's in use. A corroded flame sensor can also trip the high-limit switch in your furnace.

Oversized Heating System

Your heating system must match the size of your home for optimum energy efficiency. If you install one that is too powerful, it will heat the space in far less time, causing the thermostat to trigger a shutdown. Such heating systems will also use more energy than necessary.

Unfortunately, this is a costly fix. You'll need to work with a qualified heating installation to reinstall a heating system that's the right size for your home.

Home Circuit Overload

If you have too many systems plugged into your home's electric circuit, they can cause an overload. Your home's power circuit only delivers a fixed maximum amount of power. If you go beyond this maximum, you'll end up with a blown fuse. If the home circuit or fuse is faulty, electric devices such as your heating system may stop working midway into their operation.

Your heating repair company can evaluate your home's circuitry and recommend ways to increase the capacity where necessary.

Flue Pipe Blockage

If you have a furnace, then you have a flue pipe on your roof. Think of this as the exhaust vent for the furnace system.

Leaves, debris, and animals can cause blockages in the pipe, causing your heat exchanger and the rest of the furnace system to overheat. The design of the average furnace means it will shut down automatically every time it overheats. Clear out the clogs in the flue pipe and leave your air vents open to prevent overheating.

Expert Solution for Your Heater Problems

Now you know the possible answers to, "Why does my heater keep turning off?" It's time to seek an effective solution. Ignoring short cycling for too long can cause more serious problems for your heating system.

At Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling, we have become the leading name for heating installation and repair in Boiling Springs, SC. We can repair all kinds of heating systems, including heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers.



Whether your furnace makes knocking sounds or short cycles, call the Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling team in Boiling Springs, SC, today at (864) 804-6400 for a quick and effective fix.