The problem is most likely in the system, not the thermostat. You don't
say, is this a heat pump with aux electrical heat? The thermostat simply
calls for heat, the control board in the unit turns on the element and the
fan. There is a safety sensor that will turn off the element if it gets too
hot. You also did not say if the unit does work correctly when the
thermostat calls for heat? There is usually a relay that actually powers
the heating strip. It sounds like the relay is either stuck closed or the
control board in the unit is keeping it closed. This can be determined with
a VOM but you do need to be familiar with electrical systems. If not I
suggest you keep the breaker off and calla service tech.


"Tom" wrote in message
om...
I have a forced hot air heating system. Even when the thermostat is
set to Off, power to the heating element in the heater stays on,
although the blower stays off. I can hear the heater clicking on and
off - I assume there is some sort of emergency shut off so it doesn't
get too hot if the blower is not on to remove the heat. The only way
to shut the system is at the circuit breaker. Does anyone know
whether the problem would be with the heater or the thermostat? I am
thinking it is a faulty thermostat since it wouldn't make sense that
the heater is receiving power with the thermostat in the Off position
unless the thermostat were faulty.