Having to deal with a furnace that has repeatedly short cycles can be frustrating and worrying. When your furnace cycles on and off more frequently than it should, it's known as short cycling, which can affect its efficiency and possibly indicate underlying problems. Join the team from Romaniuk Heating and Air Conditioning as we explore the common reasons for this disruption, why it matters, and how you can fix it.
Keep reading for more information!
Why Is My Furnace Cycling on and Off?
A furnace cycling on and off frequently, or short cycling, can be caused by several factors. Understanding these reasons is essential for addressing the issue and ensuring your furnace operates efficiently. Here are common causes of furnace short cycling:
- Unclean or blocked air filter: When an air filter gets clogged or dirty, airflow is restricted, which leads to overheating and the furnace shutting off as a safety precaution.
- Problems with the thermostat: When a thermostat malfunctions, it may misinterpret the temperature in your home and cause early cycling.
- Incorrect thermostat settings: An excessively high-temperature variance or other incorrect thermostat settings can make the furnace switch on and off more often than needed.
- Oversized furnace: An overly sized furnace can heat up quickly and shut down too soon, which can lead to short cycling. If you've recently had a new furnace installed in your home, there's a chance it may not have been sized correctly.
- Defective flame sensor: When a flame sensor isn't working properly, it can incorrectly detect the burner flame and turn the furnace off soon after it's ignited.
- Problems with the limit switch: The limit switch, which controls the furnace's temperature, can malfunction and cause the appliance to turn off too soon.
- Restricted or blocked air vents: Proper airflow is impeded by restricted or clogged air vents, which can cause overheating and cause the furnace to cycle on and off.
- Dirty or defective parts: The buildup of dirt on important parts, such as the heat exchanger or blower motor, can cause short cycling and overheating.
- Gas supply problems: When there are disruptions in the combustion process, like low pressure or a blocked gas line, the combustion process is disrupted, and the furnace cycles irregularly.
How Do I Know if My Furnace Is Short-Cycling?
You can tell if your furnace is short-cycling by watching how it performs and looking for specific signs. The following are common signs that your furnace might be short-cycling:
- Frequent cycling: The furnace turning on and off more often than normal is the most obvious indicator of short cycling. This problem is probably occurring if the heating cycles are quite brief and recurrent.
- Inadequate heating: Your home may not heat up to the temperature you want.
- Higher energy bills: Short cycling uses more energy and has an effect on comfort. If your utility costs are on the rise, short cycling could be the culprit.
- Unusual sounds: Pay attention to any odd noises that accompany each cycle, such as the furnace turning on and off all the time. These might point to problems with short cycling.
- Rapid thermostat measurement changes: Check your thermostat screen for quick changes in temperature readings. Short cycling can cause the thermostat to reach the set temperature quickly and shut off abruptly right after.
If you observe these signs, it's crucial to look at the root cause of the issue right away. Start by checking and replacing the air filter if you feel comfortable doing so. Next, make sure the thermostat is set to the right setting and temperature. You can also inspect for any visible issues. If the problem continues, book a repair appointment with a professional technician as soon as possible.
When to Call a Professional HVAC Company for Help
While some scenarios of short furnace cycling can be addressed with basic maintenance tasks that homeowners can do on their own, there are certain situations where professional repairs are required.
For example, electrical issues are dangerous and should only be handled by trained professionals who know how to handle electrical wiring safely and correctly. At the same time, complex problems like a broken limit switch, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a faulty flame sensor necessitate a better comprehension of the furnace's many parts and may call for specialized tools for diagnostics and repairs that only professionals have.
In the end, prompt, professional assistance is essential for several reasons. Above all, a trained HVAC technician can precisely determine the underlying reason for short cycling, sparing the furnace from potential damage over time. Ignoring complicated issues can eventually result in expensive fixes that cause more damage.
In addition, professional diagnosis also reduces hazards related to electrical components and gas-related issues, guaranteeing your safety and peace of mind. Therefore, if you’re uncomfortable with examining your furnace for any issues, we suggest reaching out to a professional technician for assistance.
Book a Repair Appointment With Romaniuk Today
Do any of the signs we mentioned above look familiar? If so, you may be dealing with a damaged furnace that needs professional repair.
Romaniuk Heating and Air Conditioning has years of industry experience, making us your premier choice for quality furnace repairs. Our certified HVAC technicians are available for repair and maintenance services 24/7/365 days a year, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays, at no extra cost.
We are pleased to partner with homeowners throughout Edmonton, Beaumont, Downtown, Jasper Place, Mill Woods, Sherwood Park, Southwest Edmonton, St. Albert, West Edmonton, Red Deer, Devon, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, North Central, South Central, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain.
If you live in any of these communities, don’t hesitate to reach out to Romaniuk to schedule your furnace repair appointment today. You can give us a call directly or book with us online using our scheduling form!