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What To Do When Your Heat Turns Off Early


Tips & Advice

Close up of a man fixing a furnace

4 Issues To Troubleshoot

When the nights start getting cold in Charlotte, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of turning on the heat and cozying up indoors. But sometimes, just when you’re starting to relax, you notice your heating system shuts off before it even reaches the temperature you set.

Frustrating, right? Before you call a professional, there are a few issues you can troubleshoot yourself that might save you some time and money. Try checking out these common problems that can cause your heater to turn off early.

Clogged Air Filter

One of the most common culprits behind a heater shutting off prematurely is a clogged air filter. Over time, your system’s air filter collects dust, dirt, and debris, which blocks airflow and can cause the system to overheat and shut down as a safety measure.

A general rule of thumb is to replace your air filter every one to three months, depending on factors such as how often you use your heating system and whether you have pets that shed. You can also check your system’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.

Dirty Flame Sensor

The flame sensor is a small but crucial part of your furnace. Its job is to detect whether the burner is actually lit. If it senses that there’s no flame present, it will shut off the furnace to keep it from continuing to emit gas into your home. If the flame sensor is dirty, it can’t do its job properly. If your system turns on and off in quick cycles, or you notice that the burner ignites but quickly shuts off, a dirty flame sensor could be the issue.

Cleaning the flame sensor can be done with a simple scrub using fine-grit sandpaper, but if you’re unsure about or uncomfortable doing it yourself, it’s always best to call in a professional.

Blocked Flue Pipe

The flue pipe is responsible for venting dangerous gasses from your furnace. If the flue pipe is blocked, these gasses can’t escape, and your system will shut off to prevent a safety hazard. Small animals, leaves, and other debris can sometimes find their way into the flue pipe, creating blockages. If your system turns off shortly after it starts, or if you notice a persistent odd smell coming from your furnace, you might have a blocked flue pipe.

This issue should be addressed as soon as possible. Clearing the blockage is the best remedy, but make sure to turn the system off before investigating, or call a professional if you’re not sure how to check it safely.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your furnace at all but with your thermostat. If your thermostat is malfunctioning or out of calibration, it can send the wrong signals to your heating system, causing it to shut off early or not heat to the correct temperature. This is a common issue that many homeowners overlook because the thermostat isn’t physically part of the heater. If your heat keeps turning off, it may be time to recalibrate your thermostat or upgrade to a newer model.

Get a Professional Inspection

If you’ve checked these potential issues and your heater is still shutting off early, it’s time to call in the professionals. Your heating system might have more complex problems that require expert attention. Whether it’s an issue with the heat exchanger, motor, or another part, Roby Services is here to help with professional inspections and heating repairs to get your home warm and comfortable again.

Schedule a Consultation in Charlotte

With over 75 years of experience serving Charlotte and the surrounding areas, Roby Services is your trusted partner for all your HVAC needs. Our trained and experienced technicians are ready to help you with any heating issues you’re facing.

Contact us today to schedule heating services in Charlotte. Experience the Roby Services difference.

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