Help! My Furnace Keeps Running After Temp Is Reached

Why this happens, and what to do if it does

furnace keeps running after the temperature is reached hudson valley catskills

Two of the great things about keeping your home warm with heating oil is that it gets your home warm fast and provides a reliable, even heat.

But if your furnace keeps running after the temperature you set on your thermostat has been reached, you can have some problems.

Your home may get uncomfortably warm. And, because your furnace keeps running, it’s using (and wasting) a whole lot of heating oil. That means you’re going to be paying a higher heating oil bill.

If you see this happening in your home here in the Hudson Valley and Catskills region, it’s time to do some detective work. Here’s what to investigate.

Thermostat

What temperature is it set at? The recommended temperature by the U.S. Department of Energy is 68˚ Fahrenheit in the winter, which allows comfort while maintaining efficiency. A thermostat set in the upper 70s or even into the 80s will make the furnace run for a long time.

Air filter

A clogged air filter reduces the airflow through your home’s heating system. That means heated air isn’t getting into your living spaces. You should check the air filter once a month and change as needed.

Ductwork

Seals and joints can loosen in your home’s ductwork over time. That and other leaks mean your furnace will have to work harder, longer and more often to reach and stay at your set temperature.
There are also some things you can try before you call your heating equipment service technician to come out and fix it.

Check the blower motor. That may be what won’t stop running. Feel the air coming out of the vents. If it’s warm, both the furnace and blower are running. If it’s cool or cold, only the blower is running. If it’s just the blower, check to see if your thermostat is set to “on” and not “auto.” If that’s the case, switch it to “auto” and see if the problem clears up.
Check the thermostat. If nothing changes after switching from “on” to “auto,” inspect the thermostat more closely. There may be a wiring problem or worn batteries. If changing the batteries doesn’t work, you will likely need a new thermostat. Contact your service technician to set that up.

Resnick Energy is your local provider or reliable, safe heating oil delivery. Become a customer today!