Your furnace keeps your home warm during the frigid winter months, so it’s disconcerting when something isn’t quite right. One frequent issue is a furnace that continually kicks on and turns off all the time. This operating error is referred to as short cycling. It overworks equipment and might result in pricey repairs or even premature replacement.
Short cycling can happen for a few reasons. Before you schedule furnace repair, read about the likely causes and how to take care of the problem.
1. Clogged Air Filter
The HVAC filter attracts airborne dust, hair and other pollutants that could cause problems for furnace. If you don’t change the filter regularly, it can become clogged and reduce the airflow. When this occurs, a safety device turns off the furnace to avoid getting too warm. Pull Out the filter, and if it’s dirty, replace it. From here on out, replace the filter every 30 to 90 days to stop your furnace from short cycling.
2. Blocked Air Vents
A dirty filter isn’t the only issue that can reduce airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your residence and check 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 push air through the ductwork. If they are caked with dirt, the air won’t travel right, leading to overheating and short cycling. Frequently changing the filter is the best way to avoid a dirty blower wheel. If the blades are already dirty, schedule furnace maintenance to have them cleaned.
4. Faulty Thermostat
Inspect your thermostat next. This is the cortex of your HVAC system and tells the furnace what to do. Ensure the thermostat is set to heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature shown on the screen. Try replacing the batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in direct sunlight or near a heat source that could impact the temperature reading. If you have a smart thermostat, visit the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting instructions.
5. Soot-Covered Flame Sensor
The flame sensor is responsible for turning off the gas valve when no burner flame on. The sensor can’t detect the flame if it’s coated in soot, so the gas shuts off sooner and the furnace shuts off. Leave the job of cleaning a dirty flame sensor to a professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
6. Oversized Furnace
When it comes to heating and cooling equipment, larger isn’t always right. A larger system heats up your residence too rapidly, causing uncomfortable temperature swings and short cycling. The only way to resolve this issue is to schedule new furnace installation.
If you attempt the fixes we went over here to no avail, it’s time to reach the professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll review the situation, diagnose the cause, and perform the necessary repair. Our priority is to restore indoor comfort, energy efficiency and dependable furnace performance for all season long. And our services are backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about furnace short cycling, or to book HVAC repair, give us a call at 352-414-4006 today!
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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.