5 Reasons Why Your Heater Doesn't Stay On

Along with freezing weather, the winter season usually brings special challenges for homeowners. This is why it is important to always carry out routine heater maintenance to ensure your system remains in tip-top condition at all times.

However, even with proper maintenance, your heating, and cooling unit will experience a few issues here and there. And one of these problems is your heater failing to stay on for as long as you would want. When this particular problem occurs, your heater will fire up for a few minutes, and turn off before meeting your home’s temperature demands.

So, what could be the potential causes of this type of heater repair problem?

1. A damaged or malfunctioning thermostat:

If your heater won’t stay on, a malfunctioning thermostat is usually the most common problem. Your thermostat may be calibrated incorrectly, and this means the heater will stop firing; thinking it has attained the desired temperature in your home. You can test the thermostat by raising the temperature and see if the heater turns on. If this doesn’t help solve the problem, you’ll need to purchase a new thermostat, because it is cheaper than replacing the entire heating system. However, if the issue persists, you’ll need to consult your local heater repair expert to help diagnose the problem.

2. Full condensation pan:

Heating systems generate condensation, which accumulates inside a pan, eventually draining away. However, if the drain line becomes clogged because of debris, the pan will ultimately fill up. Once this liquid reaches the sensor, your heater will automatically shut off. This is among the most common problems heating and cooling experts encounter when trying to diagnose a heater that won't stay lit. As always, contact your local heater maintenance professional to help examine your heater’s condensation pan to adequately solve the problem.

3. Clogged or dirty filters:

Dirty air filters can also cause your furnace to shut off immediately after being switched on. Clogged or dirty air filters not only stop the free circulation of the heated air within your home, but also forces your heating and cooling device to work harder to meet the temperature demands of your home. And because the system is forced to strain to heat your home, the heat exchanger will easily become overheated, forcing the system to shut off. HVAC experts recommend that you should change your heater’s air filters at least twice a year. And if you have already changed the air filters but your heater continues to malfunction, it would be important to contact your local heater service technician to diagnose the problem.

4. A damaged blower motor:

The function of a blower motor is to help circulate hot air from your heater throughout your ventilation system. However, when the blower either gets damaged or becomes dirty, the chances are high that your heater will switch off. As you may have guessed, this is a technical issue that should only be diagnosed by a qualified HVAC technician to help figure out the issue and repair the blower.

5. Dirty flame sensor:

A furnace flame sensor is a unique safety component that confirms whether there is a flame burning inside your furnace or not. If no flame is detected, this important equipment will automatically shut off the heater to avoid a potentially dangerous gas leak in your home. Thankfully, it is not difficult to fix. And if you are planning to go about it yourself, make sure you first shut off the power to your furnace, then carefully remove and clean the flame sensor. Of course, if you are not sure about anything, then please call your local furnace repair technician for assistance.

It is always very frustrating when your heating and the cooling unit doesn’t offer the desired comfort levels in your home, especially during the cold season. That is why you want to conduct routine heater maintenance to ensure your heater remains in optimal condition throughout the year.

Heating Experts are always here to help you with fixing your heater problems. We have licensed technicians all over Australia who are experienced with all the major brands and types of heating units. Call us now on 1300 100 040.