Texas winters are generally mild, however, some parts of the state can see temperatures dip into the 20s. If your furnace continuously turns on and off, it’s likely doing something called “short cycling.” Don’t let furnace short cycling ruin your winter. The experienced technicians at Medley Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing can solve your short cycling problems.
What is Furnace Short Cycling?
Short cycling occurs when your furnace turns on and off frequently, increasing energy consumption and decreasing home comfort. There are several possible causes of furnace short cycling, and it can cause long-term damage if the problem is not addressed. Some of the causes are DIY repairs, while others require the help of a trained professional like the experienced technicians at Medley.
Common Causes of a Furnace That Keeps Turning On and Off
While the underlying cause of a furnace that is short cycling varies, there are a few common reasons why this might occur.
Dirty or clogged air filters
A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow in your furnace and makes the system work harder and overheat. As a result, the unit may turn itself off as a safety measure to prevent system malfunction, resulting in short cycling.
Once your system cools off, the system turns on again, and the cycle repeats. Understanding the cause of your furnace woes is crucial to keep your system running smoothly. Fortunately, fixing clogged air filters in furnaces is simple – just replace the dirty, clogged filter with a new one.
Faulty thermostat
A faulty thermostat can cause short cycling. Here are some of the main reasons why your thermostat might have issues:
- The thermostat is not set to “heat” mode.
- Your thermostat could have faulty or damaged wiring.
- A thermostat that is improperly calibrated will turn on and off until it’s fixed.
- Digital thermostats with low or “dead” batteries will often malfunction.
- Thermostats placed near a heat source like a sunny window could give false readings and malfunction.
Oversized furnace
An oversized furnace will heat your home too quickly, causing the thermostat to turn the unit off. Once the temperature drops, it turns on again and repeats the cycle until you correct the issue. An experienced HVAC technician can perform a load calculation to ensure your furnace is appropriately sized for your home. Medley has flexible financing options available to help you replace your oversized furnace with the correct size to save energy and money.
Blower motor issues
Like a clogged filter, a dirty blower motor can restrict airflow, causing similar problems. If the furnace’s blower motor is broken or malfunctioning, it can also cause the system to short cycle. At Medley, we specialize in blower fan malfunction repairs to ensure that this important furnace component continues to work as it should.
Dirty flame sensor
If you have a gas furnace, a dirty flame sensor can cause short cycling since it may not detect the flame properly. This causes the furnace to shut off as a safety precaution, which results in short cycling. If you suspect any issues with your furnace’s flame sensor, contact Medley for prompt, reliable furnace repair services.
Heat exchanger or limit switch problems
A cracked or damaged heat exchanger can cause gases to leak and cause the unit to overheat and turn off. Dirt or debris clogging the heat exchanger will also lead to overheating, causing the limit switch to turn the unit off when it senses high temperatures.
Heating Repair Solutions for a Short Cycling Furnace
If you’ve done some heating system troubleshooting and think you know the cause, you can do some of these fixes on your own.
Replace or clean the air filter
Check your furnace’s air filter frequently to ensure it’s clean and free of clogs. If it’s dirty, replace it with a new one. You should replace the furnace air filter every 30, 60, or 90 days per the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the airflow open and prevent overheating.
Thermostat repairs or replacement
A faulty thermostat may either need repair or replacement. A professional technician can inspect your thermostat to determine which option is best. Upgrading to a new thermostat can improve your furnace’s energy efficiency.
Inspect and repair furnace components
Inspect your furnace components every fall for preventative maintenance. The sooner you can identify and repair or replace faulty components, the better your system will run, and you’ll prevent more costly repairs.
Evaluate furnace size and efficiency
If you’re not sure whether your current furnace is appropriately sized, contact the Medley team. We’ll assess your system and determine whether it’s best to have your furnace replaced to improve efficiency.
Preventing Furnace Short Cycling in the Future
Here are some ways you can prevent furnace short cycling in the future to keep your system running smoothly.
Regular maintenance
Regular preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent your furnace from short cycling. Maintenance should include regular inspections, tune-ups, and other measures like changing the air filter.
Proper thermostat use
Make sure your thermostat is set to the right temperature and that it’s turned to the “heat” setting. A programmable thermostat is a great way to save energy and keep it set to the right temperature based on your needs.
Monitor air quality
If you notice an increase in dust or other airborne particles, it could indicate an issue with your furnace. Carefully monitor the indoor air quality in your home, especially when the furnace is on. If something seems “off,” it might be time to call for a furnace inspection.
When to Call a Professional for Furnace Repairs
Here’s when you should call a professional for furnace repairs:
- The pilot light flame is yellow instead of blue or it won’t stay lit
- Your furnace is making loud, strange noises or producing strong odors
- The system is short cycling or it’s not producing consistent heat
- You see visible grime or damage to furnace components
Call Medley Today!
Whether you live in The Colony, TX, or the surrounding areas, you can count on the team at Medley Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing to help with all of your HVAC needs. Our experienced technicians are dedicated to helping you find and repair issues with your furnace and more. If your furnace is short cycling, contact us today so we can identify the cause and make things right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Short Cycling
Is it dangerous if my furnace keeps cycling on and off?
A furnace that is short cycling could lead to long-term damage. In some cases, the underlying issue might also result in a dangerous and potentially deadly gas leak or electrical fire.
Is it better to repair or replace a furnace that’s constantly short cycling?
Minor issues like a dirty air filter or a thermostat that’s set incorrectly can easily be repaired. However, if your furnace is constantly short-cycling due to a major component being broken, it might be best to replace the entire system.