Your furnace keeps your family comfortable during the frigid winter months, so it’s disconcerting when something is wrong. One frequent complaint is a furnace that continuously switches on and switches off all the time. This operating error is known as short cycling. It strains equipment and might result in pricey repairs or even premature breakdowns.
Short cycling can be caused by for a few reasons. Before you schedule furnace repair, consider the likely causes and how to resolve the issue.
1. Dirty Air Filter
The HVAC filter catches airborne dust, hair and other debris that could cause problems for furnace. If you don’t get a new filter regularly, it can become clogged and reduce the airflow. When this occurs, a safety feature switches off the furnace to prevent getting too warm. Check the filter, and if it’s dirty, install a new one. Going forward, replace the filter every 30 to 90 days to prevent your furnace from short cycling.
2. Obstructed Air Vents
A dirty filter isn’t the only thing that can reduce airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your residence and check for closed or blocked air vents. For adequate 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 caked with dirt, the air won’t travel right, causing overheating and short cycling. Frequently replacing the filter is the easiest way to avoid 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 tells the furnace what to do. Ensure the thermostat is on heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature showing on the screen. Try putting in new batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in bright sunlight or near a heat source that could impact the temperature reading. If you use a smart thermostat, visit the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting guides.
5. Dirty Flame Sensor
The flame sensor switches off the gas valve when no burner flame on. The sensor can’t sense the flame if it’s covered in soot, so the gas shuts off too soon and the furnace shuts down. Leave the job of fixing a sooty flame sensor to an Expert like Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts.
6. Oversized Furnace
When it includes heating and cooling equipment, oversized isn’t always better. A larger system heats up your house too quickly, causing unpleasant temperature changes and short cycling. The only way to resolve this situation is to do new furnace installation.
If you go through the fixes we covered here and you’re still having issues, it’s time to reach the pros at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. We’ll examine the situation, diagnose the cause, and perform the necessary repair. Our priority is to reintroduce indoor comfort, energy efficiency and trustworthy furnace performance for the remainder of the season. And our services are supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about furnace short cycling, or to request HVAC repair, give us a call at 226-773-3357 right away!
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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.