Your furnace keeps your home warm during the harsh winter months, so it’s frustrating when something is wrong. One common complaint is a furnace that continually switches on and shuts back off all the time. This issue is known as short cycling. It strains your heating system and might result in expensive repairs or even earlier than normal replacement.
Short cycling can be caused by for varying reasons. Before you book furnace repair, research the likely causes and how to resolve the problem.
1. Clogged Air Filter
The HVAC filter traps airborne dust, hair and other pollutants that could wreak havoc on furnace. If you don’t get a new filter often enough, it can become dirty and block the airflow. When this takes place, a safety mechanism switches off the furnace to prevent getting too warm. Check the filter, and if it’s dirty, get a new one. Going forward, change the filter every 30 to 90 days to keep your furnace from short cycling.
2. Blocked Air Vents
A dirty filter isn’t the only thing that can lower airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your house and check for unopened 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 has blades that distribute air through the ductwork. If they are dirty, the air won’t move properly, creating overheating and short cycling. Frequently replacing the filter is the best way to prevent 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. Double-check the thermostat is in 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 influence the temperature reading. If you have a smart thermostat, visit the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting tips.
5. Dirty Flame Sensor
The flame sensor turns 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 too soon and the furnace shuts off. Leave the work of fixing a sooty flame sensor to a professional like Levy & Son Service Experts.
6. Oversized Furnace
When it includes home comfort equipment, larger isn’t always right. An oversized system adds warmth to your house too quickly, causing uncomfortable temperature changes and short cycling. The only way to take care of this issue is to do new furnace installation.
If you try the resolutions we mentioned here to no avail, it’s time to call in the professionals at Levy & Son Service Experts. We’ll review the situation, pinpoint the cause, and perform the necessary work. Our goal is to reintroduce indoor comfort, energy efficiency and dependable furnace performance for all season long. And our work is supported 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 469-250-0932 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.