6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Shutting Off and How to Fix It
Your furnace keeps your home comfortable during the frigid winter months, so it’s annoying when something is wrong. One common situation is a furnace that continually turns on and switches off again. This operating error is called short cycling. It stresses your heating system and may result in expensive repairs or even premature failure.
Short cycling can be caused by for a few reasons. Before you schedule furnace repair, research the likely causes and how to fix the problem.
1. Filthy Air Filter
The HVAC filter catches airborne dust, hair and other pollutants that could damage the furnace. If you don’t get a new filter frequently, it can get clogged and decrease the airflow. When this takes place, a safety feature switches off the furnace to stop getting too hot. Pull Out the filter, and if it’s dirty, replace it. From now on, get a new filter every 30 to 90 days to stop 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 home and check for closed or obstructed 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 move air through the ductwork. If they are caked with dirt, the air won’t flow right, causing overheating and short cycling. Frequently putting in a new the filter is the best method to stop 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 brain of your HVAC system and tells the furnace what to do. Ensure 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 bright sunlight or near a heat source that could influence the temperature reading. If you rely on a smart thermostat, check the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting tips.
5. Sooty Flame Sensor
The flame sensor switches off the gas valve when no burner flame is present. The sensor can’t sense the flame if it’s coated in soot, so the gas turns off too soon and the furnace shuts down. Leave the work of cleaning a dirty flame sensor to a pro like Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts.
6. Oversized Furnace
When it includes HVAC equipment, bigger isn’t always better. A bigger system heats up your house too rapidly, leading to unpleasant temperature fluctuations and short cycling. The only way to resolve this issue is to schedule new furnace installation.
If you try the solutions we mentioned here and nothing has changed, it’s time to call in the pros at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. We’ll examine the situation, figure out the cause, and provide the necessary work. Our aim is to restore indoor comfort, energy efficiency and reliable furnace performance for the rest of the season. And our repairs 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 226-773-3357 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.