During the Winter, Can Your HVAC Overheat in Your Home?

HVAC overheat in winter usually means a furnace that’s running too hot. Despite increases in the cost of natural gas this year, more than 65% of Ohio residences utilize gas heating. A gas furnace incorporates a high-temperature gas burner to generate heat, which is then transferred into the home’s airflow and distributed throughout ductwork to all rooms.

For safety reasons, an overheating gas furnace is a matter that should be promptly brought to the attention of a certified HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair. Here are some things to know about HVAC overheat and potential causes of it.

Signs of Overheating

A furnace that’s running too hot may display noticeable symptoms, including:

• An acrid burning smell in the airflow coming from the HVAC vents in rooms and also noticeable in the immediate area where the furnace is installed.
• Loud humming sound. This may originate from the furnace blower motor that is affected by high temperatures, which are caused by furnace overheating.
• The furnace turns off before reaching the thermostat setting. Furnaces have internal sensors that will automatically shut down the unit if temperatures inside the furnace exceed safe levels.

What Causes HVAC Overheat?

• Probably the most common reason is insufficient airflow circulating through the system. This may be due to a clogged system air filter or a failing blower. Low airflow can overheat critical internal components such as the furnace heat exchanger.
• Another airflow-related cause is too many supply or return vents closed in individual rooms. This impairs adequate air circulation through the system, which may overheat the furnace.
• A furnace incorporates a regulator that limits the amount of gas entering the burner. If the gas regulator is defective, it may allow too much gas flow, which causes excess internal furnace temperature.

If you’re noticing HVAC overheat symptoms in your home, contact the heating experts at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning for professional diagnosis and repair.