Furnace short cycling is when your furnace turns on and off frequently, usually lasting for only a few minutes. Various issues can cause short cycling, but the most common is an issue with the thermostat. If your thermostat is not set correctly, it can cause your furnace to turn on and off more frequently than usual. Other causes of short cycling include dirty filters, clogged ductwork, and incorrect sizing for your furnace. But what other factors can influence furnace short cycling? Here are some ideas.
1. Thermostat Fails to Communicate
If your thermostat is not communicating correctly with your furnace, this can cause the furnace to turn on and off more frequently. The error usually stems from a faulty wire or a problem with the thermostat itself. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it is set correctly. If you have an older, non-programmable thermostat, you may need to replace it. Like other electronic devices, thermostats may also fail and experience issues after some time. Remember to have them updated once every few years to avoid furnace short cycling.
2. Clogged Air Filters
One of the most common causes of furnace short cycling is having a clogged air filter. The furnace must work harder to pull air through if the air filter gets clogged. As a result, dirty filters cause the furnace to overheat, which triggers it to shut off frequently. It is a common problem, and it’s easy to fix. Simply replace the air filter and ensure you keep up with the maintenance schedule. In return, cleaning furnace air filters will also improve the air quality in a home, making it safer for people living in it.
3. Damaged Blower Motor
The blower motor is responsible for circulating the air from the furnace. However, if the engine is damaged, it can cause the furnace to overheat and shut off. A damaged blower motor is more common in older furnaces, which makes updating furnaces important after years of wear and tear. But a qualified technician can fix the issue and ensure the furnace is not overworked, making maintenance checks and repairs essential to keeping furnaces functioning correctly.
4. Overheating
Another common cause of furnace short cycling is overheating. The furnace can overheat for many reasons, including a dirty air filter, blocked air ventilation, and a damaged blower motor. Overheating causes the furnace to shut off, which can damage the furnace. As a result, it is essential to get furnace repairs as soon as possible if the furnace is shutting off frequently.
5. Low Refrigerant Level
If your furnace uses refrigerant, a low level of refrigerant can cause the furnace to overheat and shut off. If the furnace has a low refrigerant level, it is essential to call a technician immediately. Low refrigerant can cause the furnace to overheat and shut off, damaging the furnace. As a result, it is necessary to get furnace repairs as soon as possible if the furnace is shutting off frequently.
Conclusion
If your furnace is short cycling, it is essential to get furnace repairs as soon as possible. Short cycling can cause the furnace to overheat and shut off, damaging the furnace. As a result, it is essential to get furnace repairs as soon as possible if the furnace is shutting off frequently. In the long run, attending to urgent concerns such as furnace short cycling should help maintain the device longer.
Climate Experts is a one-stop shop for all things furnaces. Aside from repairs for avoiding furnace overheating, maintenance, and installations, we also sell air conditioners, air handlers, and comfort controls to people finding home heating and cooling solutions. Inquire about furnace costs in Ontario or learn about the best thermostat setting for summer on our website today.
