Your furnace keeps your you cozy during the harsh winter months, so it’s disconcerting when something is wrong. One common complaint is a furnace that continually switches on and turns off all the time. This operating error is called short cycling. It stresses your furnace and might result in pricey repairs or even premature failure.
Short cycling can be caused by for a few reasons. Before you book furnace repair, consider the likely causes and how to resolve the problem.
1. Dirty Air Filter
The HVAC filter traps airborne dust, hair and other pollutants that could damage the furnace. If you don’t get a new filter regularly, it can become dirty and reduce the airflow. When this takes place, a safety device shuts off the furnace to stop getting too warm. Pull Out the filter, and if it’s dirty, replace it. Going forward, get a new filter every 30 to 90 days to keep your furnace from short cycling.
2. Clogged Air Vents
A dirty filter isn’t the only trouble that can restrict airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your residence and be on the lookout for for unopened or crowded air vents. For recommended system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in empty rooms.
3. Dirty Blower Wheel
The furnace blower uses blades that distribute air through the ductwork. If they are caked with dirt, the air won’t travel right, causing overheating and short cycling. Routinely changing the filter is the best way to prevent a dirty blower wheel. If the blades are already dirty, schedule furnace maintenance to have them cleaned.
4. Faulty Thermostat
Check your thermostat next. This is the brain of your HVAC system and instructs the furnace on what to do. Ensure the thermostat is set to heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature showing on the screen. Try changing the batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in bright sunlight or near a heat source that could impact the temperature reading. If you use a smart thermostat, check the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting tips.
5. Dirty Flame Sensor
The flame sensor is responsible for turning off the gas valve when no burner flame going. The sensor can’t detect the flame if it’s coated in soot, so the gas switches off prematurely and the furnace shuts down. Leave the job of repairing a sooty flame sensor to a professional like Climate Control Service Experts.
6. Oversized Furnace
When it comes to home comfort equipment, bigger isn’t always right. A bigger system adds warmth to your house too quickly, causing uncomfortable temperature changes and short cycling. The only way to fix this problem is to request new furnace installation.
If you attempt the resolutions suggested here to no avail, it’s time to reach the Experts at Climate Control Service Experts. We’ll review the situation, figure out the cause, and provide the necessary work. Our goal is to reintroduce indoor comfort, energy efficiency and dependable furnace performance for the rest of the season. And our services are backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about furnace short cycling, or to schedule HVAC repair, give us a call at 251-202-7503 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.