Your furnace keeps your you cozy during the chilly winter months, so it’s annoying when something is off. One common issue is a furnace that endlessly kicks on and turns off over and over. This operating error is known as short cycling. It strains equipment and might result in expensive repairs or even premature breakdowns.
Short cycling can happen for a few reasons. Before you schedule furnace repair, research the potential causes and how to fix the situation.
1. Filthy Air Filter
The HVAC filter traps airborne dust, hair and other substances that could wreak havoc on furnace. If you don’t get a new filter regularly, it can eventually be dirty and decrease the airflow. When this occurs, a safety feature turns off the furnace to stop overheating. Check the filter, and if it’s dirty, install a new one. From now on, change the filter every 30 to 90 days to keep your furnace from short cycling.
2. Blocked Air Vents
A dirty filter isn’t the only issue that can lower airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your house and look for shut or blocked air vents. For recommended system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in unoccupied rooms.
3. Dirty Blower Wheel
The furnace blower has blades that move air through the ductwork. If they are covered in dirt, the air won’t move correctly, causing overheating and short cycling. Routinely changing the filter is the best method to stop a dirty blower wheel. If the blades are already dirty, schedule furnace maintenance to have them cleaned.
4. Faulty Thermostat
Examine your thermostat next. This is the brain of your HVAC system and gives the furnace instructions on what to do. Ensure the thermostat is in heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature shown on the screen. Try replacing the batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in bright sunlight or near a heat source that could impact the temperature reading. If you have a smart thermostat, check the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting instructions.
5. Sooty Flame Sensor
The flame sensor turns off the gas valve when no burner flame is present. The sensor can’t detect the flame if it’s sooty, so the gas shuts off prematurely and the furnace shuts down. Leave the job of fixing a dirty flame sensor to a professional like Stevenson Service Experts.
6. Oversized Furnace
When it includes heating and cooling equipment, oversized isn’t always better. A bigger system heats up your residence too quickly, creating unpleasant temperature fluctuations and short cycling. The only way to take care of this issue is to request new furnace installation.
If you attempt the solutions suggested here to no avail, it’s time to reach the Experts at Stevenson Service Experts. We’ll review the situation, figure out the cause, and perform the necessary work. Our priority is to reintroduce indoor comfort, energy efficiency and trustworthy furnace performance for the remainder of the season. And our services are upheld by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about furnace short cycling, or to book HVAC repair, give us a call at 937-503-7896 right away!
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*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.