Your furnace keeps your house cozy during the chilly winter months, so it’s frustrating when something is off. One routine issue is a furnace that continuously kicks on and turns off all the time. This operating error is known as short cycling. It strains equipment and could cause expensive repairs or even earlier than normal failure.
Short cycling can be the result of for several reasons. Before you request furnace repair, consider the possible causes and how to take care of the issue.
1. Dirty Air Filter
The HVAC filter traps airborne dust, hair and other debris that could wreak havoc on furnace. If you don’t replace the filter regularly, it can get dirty and block the airflow. When this happens, a safety mechanism switches off the furnace to avoid overheating. Check the filter, and if it’s dirty, replace it. From here on out, change the filter every 30 to 90 days to keep your furnace from short cycling.
2. Obstructed Air Vents
A dirty filter isn’t the only thing that can restrict airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your house and be on the lookout for for unopened or blocked air vents. For recommended system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in empty 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, creating overheating and short cycling. Frequently replacing the filter is the best method to avoid a dirty blower wheel. If the blades are already dirty, request furnace maintenance to have them cleaned.
4. Faulty Thermostat
Examine your thermostat next. This is the core of your HVAC system and instructs the furnace on what to do. Make sure the thermostat is in heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature displayed on the screen. Try changing the batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in full sunlight or near a heat source that could affect the temperature reading. If you use a smart thermostat, go to the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting tips.
5. Sooty Flame Sensor
The flame sensor turns off the gas valve when no burner flame on. The sensor can’t sense the flame if it’s coated in soot, so the gas switches off prematurely and the furnace shuts down. Leave the job of cleaning a sooty flame sensor to a professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
6. Oversized Furnace
When it includes home comfort equipment, bigger isn’t always right. A bigger system heats up your home too rapidly, causing intolerable temperature changes and short cycling. The only way to take care of this issue is to request new furnace installation.
If you try the solutions we mentioned here and you’re still having problems, it’s time to contact the pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll examine the situation, pinpoint the cause, and perform the necessary service. Our aim is to bring back indoor comfort, energy efficiency and reliable furnace performance for all season long. And our services are backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about furnace short cycling, or to request HVAC repair, give us a call at 407-329-7661 now!
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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.