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Do you hear a consistent humming noise coming from your furnace because the fan keeps running? The average heating cycle should only last about 10 minutes before the furnace shuts off. If you’re always hearing your furnace, you’re probably wondering, “Why does my furnace fan keep running?”
Learn all the reasons why your fan won’t shut off in this brief guide. If you need help with your furnace, reach out to the specialists at Complete Comfort Control, the Hamptons’ trusted HVAC company.
How Long a Furnace Fan Should Run
Under normal circumstances, a furnace fan will help distribute heat throughout your home for the duration of a heating cycle. The fan may continue to run for a few minutes after the heating cycle ends to prevent the furnace from overheating. However, it should eventually turn off and then kick on again when the next heating cycle begins.
If the average furnace goes through three 10-minute heating cycles per hour, the fan should only run for about 30 minutes. If you find that your fan consistently stays on, it’s time to investigate what’s causing this abnormality.
Why Does My Furnace Fan Keep Running?
It’s important to take note of how long your furnace fan runs. If this component is constantly distributing air throughout your home, it can impact your energy costs. It could also indicate problems with the furnace that impact its overall efficiency and need for repairs.
Let’s uncover some of the top reasons why this happens.
The Fan Limit Switch Reads “Manual Override”
The consistent use of your furnace fan could be due to a default setting on your heater. The fan limit switch, which signals when the fan should shut off, could be set to “manual override.” This means that you’ll have to physically flip the switch to put it in “automatic” mode and cause the fan to shut off on its own.
To check your fan limit switch, you’ll have to locate it either near the blower motor or in the furnace’s control box. Confirm if the current setting is “manual override” and flip the switch to resolve the issue.
The Thermostat Settings Are Set to “On”
Many homeowners wrack their brains trying to answer the question, “Why does my furnace fan keep running?” In many cases, it’s because the thermostat’s fan settings are set to “on,” meaning that the fan will always blow regardless of whether the furnace is producing heat. You’ll end up wasting energy by letting the fan motor constantly run.
Like changing your fan limit switch, you can solve this problem with the push of a button. Adjust your thermostat so the fan setting is set to “auto,” and you can avoid the unnecessary use of your fan motor.
Faulty Wiring
Damage to your thermostat wiring or the wires in your circuit board can cause the furnace fan to stay on longer than normal. It can even result in the fan not working at all, depending on the extent of the damage. You could have loose connections that need tightening or may even need to replace the wiring.
When To Call a Professional
If you’re wondering, “Why does my furnace fan keep running?” and can’t seem to resolve the issue on your own, it’s time to call for professional repairs. It’s possible to fix this problem by adjusting your thermostat and limit switch settings, though some homeowners prefer having a technician show them how to locate these switches. You must contact a furnace repair company if bad wiring is causing the issue.
It’s dangerous to adjust the wires of an intricate electrical system like a furnace circuit board and thermostat. Let a trained professional take care of this for you. They will abide by industry safety standards and save you the time and money of attempting to fix the problem on your own.
Contact Complete Comfort Control for Furnace Repairs and Inspections
After reading through this information, you no longer have to wonder, “Why does my furnace fan keep running?” Let the HVAC specialists at Complete Comfort Control inspect your furnace and repair common issues that cause continuous fan operation, a burned furnace circuit board, and more. Our team will have your heating system as good as new after an appointment.
Discover why we’re the most trusted HVAC company serving homeowners in the Hamptons, NY. Call (631) 910-6702 to schedule fast and reliable service.