Heating systems are quite easy to operate, and most homeowners understand how to control them to achieve their ideal indoor room temperature. But what happens when you think everything is correct, but your heating system doesn’t shut off when it is supposed to? Here’s some things you can do if your heating system won’t turn off:

• Check your thermostat: Double-check your battery power. If you suspect your batteries are dying, replace them. If replacing the batteries doesn’t work, grab your owner’s manual and follow the instructions for performing a reset. You can solve many heating system problems by performing these simple procedures. Finally, make sure you set a reasonable desired temperature. If you have your thermostat set to 95 degrees, we’re pretty positive your system won’t shut off!
• Turn the power on and off: If the above thermostat procedures don’t produce the desired result, try a “reset” of sorts by temporarily cutting power to the system. Most heating systems have a clearly labeled switch near the boiler or furnace. If you cannot find the switch, trying “tripping” the circuit breaker. Make sure to wait a few minutes before switching the system back on.
• Check your filters: We discuss the importance of clean filters in many of our articles — and for a good reason — dirty filters cause a myriad of problems in HVAC systems. This includes your system not shutting down in an attempt to achieve the desired temperature.
• Check your ductwork: In older systems, it is not uncommon for your ductwork’s seals to become loose and begin to leak. A small leak probably won’t affect your system too much. Still, numerous small holes or one massive leak is a recipe for extreme inefficiencies — including the continuous operation of your system. Check all visible ductwork carefully.
• When all else fails, call an expert: If any of the above solutions don’t work, or if you are not sure how to perform any of the procedures we listed, call a qualified HVAC technician and schedule an appointment for a soon as possible. They’ll figure out why your heating system won’t shut off and make the proper repairs.

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