Overheating furnaces can be an issue, especially in the winter. When a furnace overheats, the entire system may shut down unexpectedly at any time. Worse, you may have difficulty restarting the furnace, leaving you utterly stuck in the bitter cold.

There are various early warning indications when a furnace is overheating. The most prevalent symptoms are a burning odor from the vents and strange noises originating from the furnace unit. If these are persistent symptoms, you should contact HVAC professionals as soon as possible since an overheated furnace can be fatal.

As a homeowner, you should look into why your heater is overheating. Once you’ve identified the underlying causes, you may take proactive actions to prevent your furnace from overheating again. The following are five probable causes of furnace overheating and how to resolve them:

1. Restricted Airflow

The most common cause of a furnace overheating is restricted airflow. When hot air gets trapped inside the furnace, it will start to overheat and eventually shut down. The first step to prevent this from happening is to check the vents and make sure they are clear of any obstacles. Remove any furniture or other objects that may be blocking the vents and preventing hot air from circulating.

2. Old Age

Another reason your furnace may be overheating is that it’s simply getting old. Over time, furnaces will start to break down and become less efficient. If your furnace is more than ten years old, it may be time to invest in a new one.

3. The Inner Workings of Your Furnace Have Malfunctioned

If the inner workings of your furnace have malfunctioned, it could cause the entire system to overheat. This is usually due to a problem with the blower motor or the heat exchanger. If you suspect this is the problem, it’s best to call in a professional to take a look.

4. Short Cycling

Short cycling is when your furnace turns on and off more frequently than normal. This can happen for various reasons, but the most common is an issue with the thermostat. If your thermostat is set too low, it will cause the furnace to turn on and off more frequently in an attempt to reach the desired temperature. This puts a lot of strain on the furnace and can eventually lead to overheating.

5. Dirty Internal Components

Another common cause of furnace overheating is dirty internal components. Over time, dirt and dust will build up inside the furnace, making it less efficient and more likely to overheat. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to regularly clean the furnace and make sure all the internal components are free of debris.

Conclusion on Reasons a Furnace can Overheat

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of an overheating furnace, it’s important to take action immediately. By taking proactive steps to fix the problem, you can prevent your furnace from shutting down and leaving you stranded in the cold.

If you need HVAC unit cleaning or repair in Castle Rock, contact us for immediate assistance. CG Heating & Cooling provides solutions for heat pump repair issues and free estimates for new equipment installation.