YouTube video with Kendall C., service manager at Randazzo Heating, Cooling, and Electrical. In this video, he discusses short cycling.
Is Your Furnace Short Cycling?
That chilling breeze in your home might not just be the weather seeping in from an unsealed window. If your furnace turns on and off too frequently, you could be experiencing a frequently known problem called short cycling. Not only is this annoying and inefficient, but it can also lead to costly utility bills and premature failure of the heating system. Randazzo Heating and Cooling is here to help you understand what short cycling is, the causes of short cycling, and what you can do about it.
What is Furnace Short Cycling?
It’s standard operation for furnaces to go through a cycle of ignition, heating, and then shutting off once the desired temperature is reached. Short cycling occurs when your furnace shuts down before reaching the desired temperature on your thermostat. Instead of a long, consistent heating period, you get short bursts of heat, leaving your home feeling inconsistently warm, potentially wasting energy and increasing wear and tear on your furnace and its components.
Common Causes of Furnace Short Cycling:
Several factors can contribute to short cycling. Here are some of the most common culprits:
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Dirty Flame Sensor: The flame sensor detects the presence of a flame. Over time, carbon deposits can build up on the sensor, preventing it from sensing the flame. This can trick the furnace into thinking the flame is out, causing it to shut down prematurely. Cleaning the flame sensor could resolve this issue. However, proceed with caution when working with furnace components. If unsure, it’s best to call a professional like Randazzo Heating and Cooling.
- Overheating (Limit Switch): The primary limit switch is a safety feature that will shut down the furnace if it begins to overheat. This is typically caused by several issues, including:
- Dirty Air Filters: This is a prevalent cause of your furnace overheating, as a dirty filter restricts airflow. Make sure you’re changing your filters regularly! We tell our customers to change their filters every 4 to 6 months, depending on the filter.
- Low Gas Pressure: Not having enough gas supply can cause the furnace to work harder, which can cause it to overheat.
- Incorrect Blower Speed: The function of the blower motor is to circulate air through your home. If it’s not operating at the correct speed, it can lead to overheating. This happens because it will disrupt the airflow within the system, causing the system to reach its temperature limit too quickly.
- Pressure Switch Problems: Pressure switches are responsible for ensuring proper airflow through your furnace’s system. Problems with these switches can arise from:
- Blocked Vents or Flues: Obstructions in the intake or exhaust pipes can disrupt airflow. This issue occurs often during heavy snowfall as the snow piles up and blocks the exhaust.
- Faulty Inducer Motor: The inducer motor helps pull combustion gases through the system. If it’s malfunctioning, it can negatively affect the pressure switch’s standard operation, causing your furnace to short-cycle.
- Condensate Backup: Condensation from your HVAC system can build up and block airflow.
- Control Board Issues: The control board, also known as the “brain” of your furnace, is another common issue is a faulty control board that has bad contacts or loose connections, causing erratic behavior and short cycling.
- Thermostat Problems: It’s hard to believe, but your thermostat can also cause your furnace to short cycle. Drained batteries, a faulty thermostat, or a faulty thermostat installation can send incorrect temperature signals to the furnace, shutting it off before the room is properly heated.
Home Factors Contributing to Furnace Short Cycling:
Aside from the furnace and thermostat, certain conditions in your home can also cause and exacerbate short cycling:
- Blocked Registers: We receive at least one call about this issue every year. Closing too many registers or having household items like a couch blocking a register can restrict airflow and cause heat to back up, leading to your furnace overheating.
- Poor Insulation: If your home is poorly insulated, it won’t take long before the heat escapes, forcing your furnace to work harder and potentially short cycle. A homeowner can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency by addressing this issue.
What to Do if You Suspect Short Cycling:
If you suspect your furnace is short-cycling, you can do the following:
- Check Your Filter: This is the easiest and often the most effective fix. If your filter is dirty, you should replace it. Purchase replacement filters here: Buy filters.
- Check Registers: Ensure that registers are open and not blocked by furniture.
- Check Thermostat Batteries: Replace the batteries in your thermostat (if necessary).
If these three simple steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call a professional. Attempting any repair on your furnace components yourself can be dangerous and will void your manufacturer’s warranty.
Call Randazzo Heating and Cooling for Expert Furnace Repair Service -Your Local & Professional Southeast Michigan Technicians
If you’re in the Southeast Michigan area and suspect your furnace is short-cycling, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Randazzo Heating, Cooling, and Electrical! Our experienced technicians can diagnose the problem quickly and provide the necessary repairs to get your furnace running as the manufacturer intended.
Don’t let short cycling leave you wondering if Jack Frost will nibble your nose. Contact Randazzo Heating and Cooling today! 586-336-1111
