What to do when your heater won’t turn off!

Normally, when we think of a heating problem, we immediately think about the furnace not turning on. However, a furnace that won’t shut off can be equally frustrating. If your heating system is playing on repeat, it is probably getting pretty-toasty and uncomfortable inside. Here are a few steps you can take to turn off the heat before giving Robert B. Payne Inc. a call:

  • Check the thermostat: If your thermostat takes batteries first check to make sure they do not need to be replaced. If you are sure that the batteries are working, or if your thermostat has a direct connection to your home’s electric, then turn the thermostat’s setting to off. Give your system a bit and see if it shuts down. If after 3 or so minutes your system is still running then you may need to cut the power to the whole heating system.
  • What if my thermostat doesn’t have an off switch?: The easiest solution is to turn the temperature of the thermostat below the current room temperature by at least a several degrees. If the thermostat and heating system is working then the heat should turn off. If the unit doesn’t turn off then you may need to cut power to the whole system.
  • Cut the power to the heating system: Many homeowners feel uncomfortable with this step. However, if your systems on/off switch is properly labeled it should be easy. Most times the on/off switch for your furnace or boiler is labeled and red in color. Just turn the switch to off and give us a call.

Why Won’t the Heat Turn Off?

There are a couple potential reasons why your heating system won’t turn off:

  • Bad thermostat: A faulty thermostat can normally be repaired. Faulty wiring, a broken switch, or broken heating sensor can be fixed depending on how severe the issue is. If the thermostat can’t be repaired it can certainly be replaced, and with today’s advanced thermostat technology there are many exciting new options available.
  • Damaged primary controller: If the problem isn’t with the thermostat the next place we look is the heating unit itself. Normally, when we have a heating system that won’t turn off, the problem lies with the primary controller. If it isn’t the primary controller, we will find the mechanical problem with the system and repair it.
  • Defective Water checking system: If your home uses radiators or hot water to heat the home the issue may lie with your water checking system. Normally the problem specifically lies with the water check valve. If the check valve is defective, then water will keep circulating through the system and the heat will not turn off. One of our expert technicians can fix this valve or any other problem that may be affecting the water checking system.

If you feel like you’re in an oven because the heat keeps running the first step to this problem is to turn the heat off using the steps above. Next give Robert B. Payne Inc. a call and one of our expert technicians will diagnose the problem and give you the best options for repair or replacement based on your budget and needs.