On, off, on, off, on, off. If that sounds like your furnace, then chances are your unit is short cycling. When working properly, your furnace should average between three to eight cycles per hour. Short cycling is when the furnace turns on, then shuts off too quickly. Often a sign that something is amiss with your furnace, short cycling can be caused by a dirty air filter, incorrect furnace size, overheating, a dirty flame road, poor thermostat placement, and more.
Why your furnace may be short cycling
Your furnace is oversized for your home. When it comes to having the right furnace for your home, bigger isn’t necessarily better. Oversized furnaces can lead to excessive wear and tear, fluctuating temperatures, and short cycling.
Your furnace is overheating. When the furnace’s internal temperatures get too high, safety mechanisms will act to prevent further damage or danger. These safety mechanisms may turn off the furnace completely, making short cycling more likely to occur.
Your thermostat is poorly placed. If your thermostat is placed in an area where temperatures rise and fall – such as near an exterior wall, window, or other heat sources – it could shorten your furnace’s cycles.
Your home has inadequate airflow. A dirty or incorrectly installed air filter can restrict air flow and cause short cycling. If your air filter seems fine, short cycling can result from damaged ductwork or room vents.
The flame rod needs cleaning. The furnace’s flame rod needs to sense the burner flame to function properly. If the flame rod can’t sense the burner flame, your furnace may shut down. Cleaning your furnace’s flame rod could prevent your furnace from short cycling.
Furnace repair in Buffalo, MN
If you can’t troubleshoot the short cycling issue on your own (which is a difficult task for most homeowners), the smart choice is to bring in professionals at DeZiel Heating & AC. We’ll get to the bottom of the cycling problem and fix it the right way, right away. Schedule an appointment today by calling (763) 200-5453 .
