In this article…
- 6 Reasons Why Your Heater May Be Shutting Off
- Additional Heater Malfunctions and Tips for Gas and Heatpump Systems
- What To Do If Your Heater Keeps Shutting Off
- Do You Need a Full HVAC System Replacement?
When temperatures start to drop in San Antonio, it means one thing – it’s time to flip the thermostat from “Cool” to “Heat”.
Properly caring for your HVAC unit year-round is essential to ensure it keeps you comfortable from summer to winter. But once freezing temperatures make their way to the south, unfortunately, heater shut-offs become a common trend (especially with older systems).
The last thing you want is to be left with no central heating during an ice storm.
You need to know exactly what to do in the event of a heating emergency, including common troubleshooting tips and when you need to call a professional.
At Wright Home Services, we’ve been keeping San Antonio homeowners warm all winter long since 1979.
While we’re here to provide you with expert services when things go wrong, we’re also here to educate you on all you need to know to prevent potential problems and know what to do in case a mishap does happen.
Because Texas winters can be so unpredictable, being prepared for anything is crucial when the health and safety of your home and family are put in jeopardy.
This article will outline common reasons why your heater might be shutting off, what to do about it, when you need to call a professional, and more.
6 Reasons Why Your Heater May Be Shutting Off
A faulty heater can be caused by a number of things: old age, thermostat issues, or pilot light problems, to name a few.
Understanding why your heater keeps turning off is the first element to finding the proper solution.
Your heater, whether it’s an electrical heat pump or a gas furnace, can stop working for several reasons, which we’ll outline here.
1. Age and Wear and Tear
The age of your system may be the main reason why your heater keeps turning off.
Over time, critical components like the blower motor, fan belt, or heat exchanger may fail, leading to a system shutdown. If this is the case for your system failure, replacing the parts (if your system is less than 10 years old) may be necessary.
On the other hand, if your system is older than 10 years, shutting down may be an indication you need a full system replacement.
Routine maintenance and care will help catch any issues early and help reduce the risk of a heater shutdown.
2. Thermostat Issues
Because your thermostat controls the temperature of your heater, a dead thermostat battery, incorrect settings, or a malfunction can prevent the furnace from turning on.
This is one of the most common and simplest issues to address. Sometimes, the thermostat may also need recalibration if it’s not accurately reading the temperature of your home.
Inspect your thermostat for possible malfunctions or dead batteries. If your thermostat looks good, then the issue may be something else.
3. Electricity Problems
Your heater needs electricity to function, even if it’s a gas system. A tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or a power outage can stop the furnace from working.
Always check your electrical panel first when troubleshooting. However, if you suspect an electrical problem within your system, NEVER attempt to fix it.
HVAC systems have intricate electrical parts, and attempting to mess with it can result in mild or severe electrocution or electrical fires.
4. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
Gas furnaces use a pilot light or an electronic ignition system to start. A blown-out pilot light, faulty igniter, or dirty flame sensor can disrupt the heating process.
Check your pilot light for proper lighting. If the flame is not lit, flickering constantly, or is a yellowish color, there may be an obstruction in the gas line or the burner may be dirty, which should be handled by a professional.
Your pilot light should burn a constant blue flame for proper heating.
If the pilot light is not lit, you can follow the instructions in your furnace manual to relight it properly or call an HVAC professional if you are not comfortable handling gas.
5. Clogged Condensate Lines
High-efficiency furnaces produce condensation. The condensation is funneled through drain lines to prevent buildup.
Over time, these lines can become clogged with dirt, mold, or debris. If the drain lines become blocked, the system’s safety mechanism may shut it down to prevent water damage.
You can attempt to clear minor clogs using a wet/dry vacuum to remove debris from the drain line opening, but persistent clogs or visible damage to the line require professional cleaning or repair.
6. Dirty and Old Air Filters
Your air filters act as the first line of defense to protect your HVAC system from excess dust, dander, debris, and allergens.
A clogged filter not only allows that dust and dander to circulate through your home, but it also restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat. Modern furnaces have safety features that shut them down to prevent further damage.
Replacing air filters regularly can prevent this issue, however, if your heater is shutting off randomly, the problem may be a clogged filter overdue for a replacement.
Read more about how often you should replace your air filters!
Additional Heater Malfunctions and Tips for Gas and Heatpump Systems
While the above items were general troubleshooting tips to try first if your heater keeps shutting off, there are several specific items for furnace and heatpump systems that may be causing the issue.
Here are several things to try if your gas system keeps shutting off:
- Look for a code through the window of the unit: If you see a code, document it and attempt to look it up to troubleshoot.
- Unplug and plug the system back in: This will reset the board and may resolve the issue. After resetting, the system will either reignite or attempt to reignite 2-4 times before locking out. If this occurs, you most definitely need service on your furnace.
Remember, if you suspect any issue with the gas line on your furnace, this must be handled by a professional, and if you smell gas, call the gas company or 911 immediately.
For heatpump systems, try this in case your outdoor unit is frozen over:
- Turn your heater to auxiliary or emergency heat: If your outdoor unit is frozen over, your system should automatically go into a defrosting cycle to melt the ice. This will engage the air conditioning but ensure the ice can melt and keep the unit running. Then, turn on the emergency heat to maintain heat in your home, and schedule service with your HVAC company.
The emergency heat cycle can be programmed on your thermostat and will help defrost your system.
Consistent no heat or strange noises coming from your unit should always be handled by a professional, so don’t be afraid to call, but you can try these system-specific tips before throwing in the towel.
What To Do If Your Heater Keeps Shutting Off
If your heater will run for a little bit, then shut off before reaching the desired temperature, there are a few things you can do to try and remedy the problem.
However, if your heater turns off completely and won’t turn back on, you need to contact a professional HVAC company immediately.
But first, follow these three simple steps to attempt to get your heat back on.
1. Inspect Your System
The first thing you can do if your heater shuts off is carefully examine the thermostat, circuit breaker, air filter, pilot light, and error codes for any potential malfunction or damage.
Try these common troubleshooting tips:
- Reset the Furnace: Locate the reset button on your furnace, typically near the motor housing. Press and hold it for about 30 seconds, then release. Give the furnace a few minutes to restart.
- Unblock Vents: Walk through your home and ensure that no furniture, rugs, or other objects are blocking the air vents and registers. Restricted airflow can cause the system to shut down.
- Check Air Filters: Check your air filters in receiving vents to ensure they don’t have excess buildup of dust and debris.
- Clear the Area Around the Furnace: Ensure the area around your furnace is free of clutter and obstructions. Objects too close to the furnace can obstruct airflow and create safety hazards.
- Verify the Gas Supply: For gas furnaces, ensure the gas valve is open and the supply line is functioning. If you suspect a gas leak, leave your home immediately and call the gas company or 911.
2. Attempt to Resolve the Issue
If you’ve properly identified the problem, try to address it correctly by doing your research on how to properly remedy the situation. This step will be most helpful if the problem has to do with your thermostat or replacing air filters.
If the problem is deeper and you aren’t sure what to do, do not attempt to fix it. You not only can damage your system and create more problems, but you can also accidentally hurt yourself.
3. Call a Professional HVAC Company
If the issue persists or if you encounter a complex problem such as error codes you can’t figure out, unusual noises, or a suspected gas leak, it’s time to bring in a licensed HVAC technician.
If you experience any of these heater problems, it’s best to call a professional:
- Persistent Shutdowns: If your furnace continues to shut down even with common troubleshooting efforts, it’s time to call an expert.
- Gas Odors: A gas smell could indicate a leak, which is a serious safety hazard. Leave your home immediately and call your utility provider or 911.
- Unusual Noises: Loud banging, screeching, or rattling noises may signal mechanical issues that require professional repair.
- Error Codes You Can’t Resolve: If you’re unable to interpret or address the error codes displayed on your furnace, a technician can help.
A professional HVAC company can perform a thorough inspection and resolve the issue properly and efficiently.
Do You Need a Full HVAC System Replacement?
Now that you know six common reasons why your heater may be turning off and how to handle the problem, you have a better idea of whether you can fix your heater problems yourself or need to call a professional.
If your heater keeps turning off prematurely or has shut off completely in the past before, it may be due to
- Old age and wear and tear
- Thermostat malfunctioning
- Electric problems
- Pilot light and ignition problems
- Clogged condensation lines
- Dirty, old air filters
When this occurs, first check your filters, your system, and your thermostat. If you’ve identified the issue, try common troubleshooting techniques to reboot your system and keep the heat flowing.
If you aren’t sure what’s wrong with your heater and suspect something serious is wrong, it’s best to always call a professional HVAC company that can properly diagnose your problem and provide you with the right solution.
Any issue with your home appliances raises concern if a full replacement is needed, not just a repair. Your HVAC system is no different.
If your system is over 10 years old, and you’re having frequent issues with your heater and AC, it may be time for a full replacement. But how can you be sure that is the right solution for you?
Check out this article that details five questions you should ask yourself if you’re considering replacing your HVAC system, like how old it is, how old your ductwork is, and how long you plan to live in your home.
Looking For Heater Maintenance In San Antonio?
Wright Home Services has been here for over 46 years, serving all homeowners with high-quality AC and heating repair and replacement services.
Our licensed technicians are equipped to handle any heater issue and ensure you, your family, and your home stay warm and comfortable all winter long.
Schedule your heater maintenance with Wright Home Services today! Treating people Wright – since 1979!
