During the coldest months of the year, it is important that you have a reliable furnace to keep your home comfortable. However, if your furnace is short cycling, it may be frustrating and disruptive, leaving your home cooler than you would like. Understanding the reason why your furnace is short cycling is essential for addressing problems with the system.
At Genuine Comfort, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with a malfunctioning furnace, especially during the chilly winter months. If your furnace is short cycling and you aren’t sure why, keep reading to learn some of the most common causes and how to address them.
What is Furnace Short Cycling?
Furnace short cycling is a situation where your furnace turns on and off frequently in rapid succession, before it has completed a full heating cycle. The typical heating cycle for your furnace should be several minutes long. You may hear the sound of your thermostat sending a signal to your furnace, the sound of the motor turning off, and the system shutting down after the heating cycle.
Following this sound, you should begin to feel warm air flowing through your living spaces. However, if you do not feel warm air, and you hear the system turning on and off every few minutes, this may be a sign that your furnace is short cycling. It is important that you address this problem as soon as possible, as ignoring it may result in a significant drop in the energy-efficiency of your furnace.
Common Reasons Why Your Furnace is Short Cycling
If you suspect that your furnace is short cycling, there are several reasons this may be happening. Some of the most common reasons why your furnace is short cycling include:
1. Your Air Filters Are Dirty
One common reason why your furnace is short cycling may be due to dirty air filters. Your air filters allow air to flow into the system. As they get dirty, the filters may clog and lead to poor flow. This clogged filter may keep warm air in the system, leading to overheating and short cycling. If this is the reason your furnace is short cycling, it can be addressed quickly and easily. Replace the dirty filters and don’t forget to replace them every 90 days afterward to prevent the system from clogging again.
2. Your System is Overheating
If the temperature-monitoring components in the system are malfunctioning, this may lead to your furnace overheating and shutting down before it has heated your home. Frequent overheating is an incredibly common reason why your furnace is short cycling. This may also be the result of a failed heat exchanger. If you notice a burning odor or the smell of hot metal, this may be a sign that the system is overheating and should be inspected by a trusted HVAC professional.
3. You Have a Dirty or Damaged Flame Sensor
While heating your home, your furnace burns fuel that may produce a small amount of water. While this isn’t a problem day-by-day, over time, it can lead to the metal within the system rusting. As this rust forms, it may begin to buildup. This build up can make your flame sensor too dirty or damaged to function, which may explain why your furnace is short cycling. If the problem is a result of a dirty or damaged flame sensor, it is best to contact an HVAC professional for an inspection and repairs.
4. You Have Thermostat Problems
Your faulty thermostat may be the reason your furnace is short cycling. If you suspect you thermostat is the cause of the short cycling, you should do a quick check of the device to determine if it is working correctly. Determine if the batteries are dying or if the device hasn’t been switched over to heating mode. If you’ve done a thorough inspection of your thermostat and you find that your furnace is still malfunctioning, you should reach out to your HVAC professional for help.
5. There’s an Air Leaks
Sometimes the simplest answer is the right answer. If your furnace has been short cycling, double check that your windows are shut and there are no seal problems or leaks. If air is passing through your window seals, this may mean that the warm air from your furnace is escaping through your windows. As the air escapes, your furnace may be forced to turn on again. To prevent air from leaking, caulk around your window frames. If this doesn’t stop the short cycling problem, it is best to contact an HVAC professional for help.
How to Address the Problem
If your furnace is short cycling, you might be able to address this problem on your own. If the problem is caused by dead or faulty batteries in your thermostat, replacing them should quickly remedy the problem. You should also be able to address the problem if your air filters are dirty. However, if your furnace is short cycling for any other reasons, it might be in your best interest to reach out to your trusted HVAC professional.
When your trusted HVAC professional arrives, they can inspect your furnace to determine if the problem requires repairs or replacement. During this appointment, your HVAC professional may recommend getting on a regular furnace tune-ups to keep the system running well. At these tune up appointments, your HVAC professionals may be able to catch major problems before they became more substantial.
HVAC Services You Can Trust
If your furnace is short cycling, it is important to work with a trustworthy HVAC company, like our team at Genuine Comfort, for repairs. With years of experience helping homeowners across the Northern Utah area address furnace problems, like furnace short cycling, we’re confident that we can do the same for you.
From furnace repairs to ductless air conditioner installation, air filtration system installation, and more, our team provides a variety of HVAC services to meet every homeowner’s needs. If your furnace is short cycling and your DIY repairs haven’t remedied the problem, contact our team at Genuine Comfort today to schedule an appointment.
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