Do you find yourself waking up to a home that is much colder than it should be? What happened that caused your furnace to shut down at night? Use this troubleshooting guide to fix the problem or discover when it’s time to reach out to the professionals.
Check the Thermostat
The most common problem with your furnace isn’t actually a problem with the furnace at all. If it routinely turns off at night, it is probably being told to do so by the thermostat. Check its settings and look through the owner’s manual if you’re not sure about all of its settings. Remember that temporarily boosting the temperature in the evening doesn’t necessarily change the program of the thermostat.
If you are having trouble with your thermostat, your HVAC technician can help you reprogram it, or find out if there is a problem with it that is preventing it from working through the night.
Replace the Filter
A clogged furnace filter can cause serious problems for your furnace, especially when it has to run more over colder nights. It can restrict airflow in the furnace, causing it to overheat, which causes it to shut off. You can easily replace the filter, and then keep replacing it roughly every six to three months, depending on the air quality of your home.
Looking to replace your furnace filter? Contact our team at Noll ClimateCare for help.
Blocked Grates and Exhaust
Similarly, if you have blocked grates and exhaust, then your furnace will have airflow issues, and many shut down as a safety mechanism. Check through all the grates and exhausts in your home, and make sure that furniture and other items aren’t blocking the flow of air. If something has fallen into a grate, you may need a professional’s help to retrieve it.
Furnace is the Wrong Size
A furnace that is too large for your home may short cycle. This is where it turns off too soon because it thinks it has made enough heat for your home, when really it has not had time to disperse. This can result in a chronically cold home.
A furnace that is too small for your home might also turn off at night. It will need to run continuously to try to get your home up to temperature, especially overnight. This may cause it to overheat, and then turn off as a safety mechanism.
An HVAC professional can tell you if your furnace is the wrong size for your home, and what can be done to fix it or replace it if so.
Dirty Flame Sensor
Another potential problem with a furnace that turns off at night is a dirty flame sensor. Regular maintenance will prevent this problem from happening.
Reach out to our team at Noll ClimateCare to get help if your furnace turns off at night.
