Your furnace keeps your house warm during the harsh winter months, so it’s disconcerting when something isn’t quite right. One routine complaint is a furnace that continuously kicks on and switches off again. This problem is referred to as short cycling. It strains equipment and could lead to expensive repairs or even earlier than normal failure.
Short cycling can happen for varying reasons. Before you request furnace repair, review the possible causes and how to resolve the problem.
1. Dirty Air Filter
The HVAC filter catches airborne dust, hair and other pollutants that could damage the furnace. If you don’t replace the filter regularly, it can get filthy and block the airflow. When this occurs, a safety feature shuts off the furnace to prevent getting too warm. Pull Out the filter, and if it’s dirty, get a new one. From here on out, get a new 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 house and look for unopened or crowded air vents. For proper system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in empty rooms.
3. Dirty Blower Wheel
The furnace blower has blades that push air through the ductwork. If they are dirty, the air won’t move correctly, creating overheating and short cycling. Frequently replacing the filter is the best method to avoid a dirty blower wheel. If the blades are already dirty, book furnace maintenance to have them cleaned.
4. Faulty Thermostat
Inspect your thermostat next. This is the brain 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 displayed on the screen. Try putting in new batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in full sunlight or near a heat source that could influence the temperature reading. If you have a smart thermostat, go to the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting guides.
5. Soot-Covered Flame Sensor
The flame sensor is responsible for turning off the gas valve when no burner flame going. The sensor can’t find the flame if it’s covered in soot, so the gas shuts off prematurely and the furnace shuts off. Leave the work of repairing a sooty flame sensor to a professional like Peitz Service Experts.
6. Oversized Furnace
When it includes HVAC equipment, oversized isn’t always better. A bigger system heats up your residence too rapidly, leading to uncomfortable temperature fluctuations and short cycling. The only way to fix this problem is to request new furnace installation.
If you try the resolutions we covered here to no avail, it’s time to reach the Experts at Peitz Service Experts. We’ll review the situation, figure out the cause, and perform the necessary repair. Our aim is to reintroduce indoor comfort, energy efficiency and reliable furnace performance for all season long. And our repairs are upheld by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about furnace short cycling, or to request HVAC repair, call us at 605-223-0307 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.