Why Does My Furnace Keep Turning Off at Night in Spring, TX?

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why does my furnace keep turning off at night

Are you looking for more information about your HVAC system? Call CREW Heating & Cooling at 832-345-1696 today for all your HVAC needs.

While the day may be slightly warmer than the night, furnace issues at any time can be inconvenient for a household. When the night is the coldest, we want our furnaces to be reliable. If you’re wondering, “Why does my furnace keep turning off at night?” then allow CREW Heating & Cooling, known for professional furnace repair in Spring, TX, to explain everything you need to know about why your furnace may be shutting down.

Why Does My Furnace Keep Turning Off at Night?

Anything from a dirty flame sensor to a faulty temperature reading to a busted blower motor can cause your furnace to not act as it’s supposed to throughout the night. Some of the most common reasons for a furnace to turn off include the following:

Dusty Air Filters

If you have a dusty air filter, this wall of dirt can cause significant damage to your heating system. If you haven’t changed the air filter in a long time, keeping the dust and dirt inside can create a bottleneck of heat, which suffocates and overheats your system. To prevent the issue and maintain sufficient indoor air quality, you should clean out the air filters in your HVAC system at least once every three months. 

Faulty Thermostats

If your heater is continuously turning on and off, your thermostat may be the one to blame. Think of the thermostat as the “brain” for your HVAC system. If your thermostat tells your heater that your house is cold, the heater will turn on.

Meanwhile, a malfunctioning thermostat could cause your furnace to similarly malfunction. Check your thermostat’s settings to confirm that your heater has an appropriate schedule and is turning on at the correct times. If you’re having trouble determining the source of the problem, or it seems like the thermostat is fine without any other probable cause, an HVAC company can help you sort out your furnace troubles.

Blocked Vents

If you’ve tried troubleshooting all of the above and still ask, “Why does my furnace keep turning off at night?” consider checking your vents. Just like with a dusty air filter, blocked vents can suffocate your system and cause it to turn on and off throughout the night.

A blocked vent traps the hot air inside the furnace, tricking all heat sensors into thinking that the house is sufficiently warm. Once your heater heats itself up enough through the blocked vent, it will likely turn off, only to turn right back on again once the immediate area has cooled.

Dirty Flame Sensor

Your flame sensor is responsible for detecting heat and burning gas. If it’s defective or even just dirty, your furnace may continuously go on and off.

To fix this problem, you’ll need to get an HVAC company to maintain this part, or replace it entirely if it’s defective. Since it’s a sensitive and delicate piece on your furnace, we don’t recommend employing DIY tactics to solve your issue.

Oversized Furnace

If your furnace is too big for your home, it may start to short cycle. When a furnace short cycles, it turns off too frequently since the furnace assumes that it’s heated the entire home. If your furnace is too big, it may only run for a short time before the heat can spread.

A short cycling furnace impacts not only your home’s indoor temperature but also your heating system’s lifespan. Short cycling increases the amount of wear and tear on your furnace. As a result, you could end up needing a premature furnace replacement.

The best way to determine what size furnace your home needs is by working with a heating professional. They’ll consider your home’s size and heating needs to determine which size furnace is best for maximum efficiency and indoor comfort.

Fix Your HVAC Issues With CREW Heating & Cooling

Now that you know the answer to the question, “Why does my furnace keep turning off at night?” why not get a professional to solve your problem with CREW Heating & Cooling? We understand that HVAC issues can be complex, which is why our professional technicians make it easy. Whether you need furnace maintenance in Spring, TX, or other HVAC repairs, our competitive rates and installation plans can work for any home or budget.

Let our team at CREW Heating & Cooling address all your HVAC concerns in Spring, Texas. Call us at 832-345-1969 today for a free consultation.