Your furnace keeps your home cozy during the chilly winter months, so it’s disconcerting when something is off. One routine issue is a furnace that continuously kicks on and shuts back off again. This problem is referred to as short cycling. It stresses your heating system and might cause pricey repairs or even early replacement.
Short cycling can be the result of for several reasons. Before you schedule furnace repair, research the potential causes and how to fix the situation.
1. Clogged Air Filter
The HVAC filter catches airborne dust, hair and other debris that could wreak havoc on furnace. If you don’t change the filter frequently, it can become clogged and block the airflow. When this takes place, a safety mechanism switches off the furnace to prevent overheating. Pull Out the filter, and if it’s dirty, install a new one. Going forward, replace the filter every 30 to 90 days to stop your furnace from short cycling.
2. Blocked Air Vents
A dirty filter isn’t the only issue that can restrict airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your house and check for closed or crowded air vents. For recommended system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in empty rooms.
3. Dirty Blower Wheel
The furnace blower uses blades that push air through the ductwork. If they are dirty, the air won’t flow right, causing overheating and short cycling. Regularly changing the filter is the simplest way to prevent a dirty blower wheel. If the blades are already dirty, request furnace maintenance to have them cleaned.
4. Faulty Thermostat
Check your thermostat next. This is the brain of your HVAC system and instructs the furnace on what to do. Make sure the thermostat is in heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature showing on the screen. Try changing the batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in direct 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 instructions.
5. Soot-Covered Flame Sensor
The flame sensor is responsible for turning 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 shuts off prematurely and the furnace turns off. Leave the adjustment of fixing a faulty flame sensor to a pro like Barlow Service Experts.
6. Oversized Furnace
When it involves HVAC equipment, bigger isn’t always better. A bigger system adds warmth to your residence too fast, leading to intolerable temperature changes and short cycling. The only way to take care of this situation is to schedule new furnace installation.
If you try the resolutions we went over here to no avail, it’s time to call in the Experts at Barlow Service Experts. We’ll review the situation, figure out the cause, and perform the necessary work. Our aim is to reintroduce indoor comfort, energy efficiency and reliable furnace performance for the remainder of the season. And our work is upheld by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about furnace short cycling, or to book HVAC repair, call us at 801-436-8985 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.