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.
Reasons Why Your Furnace May Be Running Constantly
1) Clogged Filters: When the filters 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 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 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 lit. If the sensor is dirty, it can cause the furnace to think the burner not lit and will keep trying to ignite it. It can cause the furnace to run constantly.
4) The Temperature Set Too High: If the temperature 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.
How a Gas Furnace Works: The Heating Cycle
Let’s begin by understanding the heating cycle. A pipe entering your home from the outside connects the source of the gas to the furnace. LPG burning units need an outdoor storage tank, while natural gas models feature underground connections to a natural gas pipe network.
- After the gas enters your furnace from a storage tank (LPG) or the local gas supply network (natural gas), the burner lights it.
- Cold air from your house enters the furnace, where the burning gas warms it within the heat exchanger.
- Exhaust from the combustion is piped out of the furnace through the vent and exits the home via an exhaust pipe.
- The warm air directed into various parts of your house by the blower fan, depending on where thermostats detect the need for heat.
- The internal air temperature gradually increases as the warm air is distributed. Cold air redirected to the furnace through return ducts.
- Once the thermostat senses the set temperature has been reached, it switches off the gas valve to prevent the flow of warm air.
