You can tell your furnace is overheating if it’s producing a burning smell, making a humming sound or cycling on and off frequently. Fortunately, heating equipment has a built-in limit switch that shuts the unit off whenever the internal temperatures get too high. This feature protects against any serious safety issues. Consistent overheating, however, may eventually cause the heating system to malfunction.
But why do furnaces overheat in the first place? Read on as we discuss the potential reasons for this issue.
Old age. A furnace has an average lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. When it reaches the last few years of its serviceable life, its internal components will begin to deteriorate, including the aforementioned limit switch. Soon, it will no longer recognize that the unit is overheating. Consider investing in a replacement system as soon as possible, before anything serious happens.
Gas valve malfunction. A gas-powered furnace has a component called a gas regulator that determines how much gas should enter the unit. If it starts to malfunction, it won’t prevent the flames from growing in size and producing excess heat. The heat exchanger may start to overheat as a result. Get in touch with your trusted heating and air conditioning repair technician to have your equipment inspected.
Restricted airflow. A furnace may also overheat due to restricted airflow. Consider checking the air filter to see if it’s clogged with dirt. If it is, clean or replace it with a new one immediately. In addition, see to it that the return vents aren’t blocked by household items like furniture or window treatments. Doing so may help stop the equipment from cycling on and off.
For your heating and cooling needs, turn to Bartlett Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer furnace and AC clean and check services to ensure your HVAC system stays in top shape year-round. Call (630) 372-7640 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Bartlett and surrounding communities in West Chicago.
