Your furnace keeps your house cozy during the chilly winter months, so it’s annoying when something isn’t quite right. One routine situation is a furnace that continually kicks on and shuts back off all the time. This issue is known as short cycling. It strains equipment and might result in expensive repairs or even premature replacement.
Short cycling can be caused by for a few reasons. Before you book furnace repair, consider the probable causes and how to resolve the situation.
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 block the airflow. When this occurs, a safety mechanism switches off the furnace to prevent getting too warm. Inspect the filter, and if it’s dirty, replace it. From now on, replace the 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 restrict airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your home and look for closed or crowded air vents. For proper system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in unused rooms.
3. Dirty Blower Wheel
The furnace blower has blades that distribute air through the ductwork. If they are caked with dirt, the air won’t travel correctly, leading to overheating and short cycling. Regularly changing the filter is the best way to stop a dirty blower wheel. If the blades are already dirty, request furnace maintenance to have them cleaned.
4. Faulty Thermostat
Inspect your thermostat next. This is the cortex of your HVAC system and gives the furnace instructions 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 influence the temperature reading. If you use 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 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 fixing a faulty flame sensor to an Expert like Chief/Bauer Service Experts.
6. Oversized Furnace
When it comes to home comfort equipment, bigger isn’t always better. A larger system heats up your home too quickly, creating unpleasant temperature fluctuations and short cycling. The only way to take care of this situation is to do new furnace installation.
If you attempt the resolutions we mentioned here and nothing has changed, it’s time to contact the Experts at Chief/Bauer Service Experts. We’ll take a look at the situation, figure out the cause, and do the necessary work. Our goal is to reintroduce indoor comfort, energy efficiency and reliable furnace performance for the rest of the season. And our services are supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about furnace short cycling, or to schedule HVAC repair, reach us at 217-689-2469 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.