6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Switching Off and How to Resolve It 

Your furnace keeps your home comfortable during the frigid winter months, so it’s annoying when something isn’t quite right. One common complaint is a furnace that endlessly kicks on and shuts back off all the time. This operating error is referred to as short cycling. It stresses your heating system and may result in costly repairs or even premature replacement. 

Short cycling can be the result of for varying reasons. Before you book furnace repair, research the potential causes and how to resolve the issue. 

1. Dirty Air Filter 

The HVAC filter attracts airborne dust, hair and other pollutants that could damage the furnace. If you don’t replace the filter frequently, it can get filthy and decrease the airflow. When this occurs, a safety mechanism switches off the furnace to avoid getting too hot. Check the filter, and if it’s dirty, install a new one. Going forward, get a new filter every 30 to 90 days to prevent your furnace from short cycling. 

2. Obstructed 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 blocked air vents. For recommended system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in unused rooms. 

3. Dirty Blower Wheel 

The furnace blower consists of blades that distribute air through the ductwork. If they are dirty, the air won’t travel correctly, creating overheating and short cycling. Frequently changing the filter is the best method to stop 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 tells the furnace what to do. Ensure the thermostat is on heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature shown on the screen. Try putting in new batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in direct 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 guides. 

5. Soot-Covered Flame Sensor 

The flame sensor turns off the gas valve when no burner flame is present. The sensor can’t find the flame if it’s covered in soot, so the gas turns off too soon and the furnace shuts off. Leave the work of cleaning a faulty flame sensor to a professional like Stevenson Service Experts. 

6. Oversized Furnace 

When it includes HVAC equipment, oversized isn’t always better. A bigger system adds warmth to your home too quickly, causing intolerable temperature fluctuations and short cycling. The only way to resolve this problem is to do new furnace installation

If you try the solutions we mentioned here to no avail, it’s time to call in the professionals at Stevenson Service Experts. We’ll take a look at the situation, diagnose the cause, and do the necessary work. Our goal is to restore indoor comfort, energy efficiency and reliable furnace performance for the rest of the season. And our services are upheld by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about furnace short cycling, or to request HVAC repair, call us at 614-334-3192 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. 

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