Why Does My Furnace in Silver Spring, MD, Run Constantly?

When a heating system begins to run irregularly, it can negatively impact your bills and indoor comfort. The causes behind this issue range from a simple clogged air filter to more complicated concerns like a broken limit switch. Here are a few of the most common reasons behind a constantly running furnace in Silver Spring, MD:

Clogged HVAC Filter

During a heating cycle, your furnace will pull in air through the filter to heat and distribute. When the filter clogs with debris and contaminants, it impedes airflow. This can make the system run longer as it struggles to produce enough heated air to meet your temperature needs.

Thermostat Issues

Your furnace can also run too long if you set your thermostat too high. Instead, turn down your temperature a few degrees to ease the strain on your heating system. Don’t forget to set your furnace to its Auto setting rather than the On setting, which will keep the fan running longer.

Compromised Blower

Your heating system’s blower is the component responsible for pushing warm air into the house. This part of the furnace should only run during a heating cycle. If it’s running frequently, there’s a chance you may need repairs to fix the motor or compromised control board.

Malfunctioning Limit Switch

A heating limit switch acts as an intermediary between your thermostat and the system. It works to turn your furnace on and off to meet your thermostat settings. When it becomes faulty, your system could continue to run even when you don’t need heat.

The average heating system will go through two to three cycles every hour, each lasting around 10 to 15 minutes. While these cycles can become more frequent in colder weather, your system should never run constantly throughout the day. Contact our team at B.M.C. Clower Heating and Air Conditioning today for HVAC maintenance in Silver Spring, MD.

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