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

Your furnace keeps your house warm during the frigid winter months, so it’s disconcerting when something is off. One common issue is a furnace that continuously turns on and turns off again. This problem is known as short cycling. It stresses your heating system and could lead to expensive repairs or even early failure. 

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

1. Dirty Air Filter 

The HVAC filter traps airborne dust, hair and other substances that could wreak havoc on furnace. If you don’t replace the filter regularly, it can eventually be clogged and decrease the airflow. When this occurs, a safety device turns off the furnace to stop overheating. Inspect the filter, and if it’s dirty, get a new one. Going forward, replace the filter every 30 to 90 days to keep your furnace from short cycling. 

2. Clogged Air Vents 

A dirty filter isn’t the only issue that can reduce airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your house and look for shut or crowded air vents. For adequate system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in unoccupied 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 correctly, leading to overheating and short cycling. Frequently putting in a new the filter is the simplest approach to avoid a dirty blower wheel. If the blades are already dirty, book furnace maintenance to have them cleaned. 

4. Faulty Thermostat 

Check your thermostat next. This is the core of your HVAC system and instructs the furnace on what to do. Double-check the thermostat is set to heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature showing on the screen. Try replacing the batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in full sunlight or near a heat source that could affect the temperature reading. If you use a smart thermostat, go to the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting instructions. 

5. Sooty Flame Sensor 

The flame sensor turns off the gas valve when no burner flame going. The sensor can’t sense the flame if it’s coated in soot, so the gas turns off prematurely and the furnace shuts off. Leave the work of repairing a sooty flame sensor to a pro like Levy & Son Service Experts. 

6. Oversized Furnace 

When it involves heating and cooling equipment, larger isn’t always better. A larger system adds warmth to your home too fast, leading to unpleasant temperature swings and short cycling. The only way to resolve this situation is to request new furnace installation

If you try the fixes we mentioned here and nothing has changed, it’s time to contact the pros at Levy & Son Service Experts. We’ll review the situation, figure out the cause, and provide the necessary repair. Our aim is to bring back indoor comfort, energy efficiency and dependable furnace performance for all season long. And our services are supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about furnace short cycling, or to book HVAC repair, reach us at 469-250-0932 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. 

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