Your furnace keeps your home warm during the chilly winter months, so it’s frustrating when something isn’t quite right. One frequent situation is a furnace that endlessly turns on and switches off again. This problem is referred to as short cycling. It strains your heating system and might lead to pricey repairs or even premature breakdowns.
Short cycling can happen for several reasons. Before you schedule furnace repair, read about the possible causes and how to fix the problem.
1. Dirty Air Filter
The HVAC filter attracts airborne dust, hair and other debris that could damage the furnace. If you don’t change the filter frequently, it can eventually be filthy and reduce the airflow. When this happens, a safety mechanism switches off the furnace to prevent getting too hot. Pull Out the filter, and if it’s dirty, replace it. Going forward, install a new filter every 30 to 90 days to prevent your furnace from short cycling.
2. Clogged Air Vents
A dirty filter isn’t the only trouble that can lower airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your house and check for shut or obstructed air vents. For recommended system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in empty rooms.
3. Dirty Blower Wheel
The furnace blower consists of blades that push air through the ductwork. If they are caked with dirt, the air won’t travel correctly, leading to overheating and short cycling. Routinely changing the filter is the easiest way 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 cortex of your HVAC system and gives the furnace instructions on what to do. Make sure the thermostat is set to heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature displayed on the screen. Try replacing the batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in bright sunlight or near a heat source that could affect the temperature reading. If you have a smart thermostat, check the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting tips.
5. Dirty Flame Sensor
The flame sensor switches off the gas valve when no burner flame is present. The sensor can’t sense the flame if it’s sooty, so the gas shuts off sooner and the furnace turns off. Leave the adjustment of cleaning a faulty flame sensor to a pro like Midland Air Service Experts.
6. Oversized Furnace
When it comes to heating and cooling equipment, bigger isn’t always better. A larger system heats up your home too fast, creating intolerable temperature fluctuations and short cycling. The only way to take care of this problem is to request new furnace installation.
If you try the solutions we went over here and nothing has changed, it’s time to reach the Experts at Midland Air Service Experts. We’ll examine the situation, figure out the cause, and perform the necessary work. Our priority is to reintroduce indoor comfort, energy efficiency and dependable furnace performance for all season long. And our work is upheld by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about furnace short cycling, or to request HVAC repair, call us at 803-399-7208 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.