If you have a furnace, you know it’s essential to your home’s heating system. It is responsible for heating the house by burning fuel. But what do you do when your furnace starts short-cycling?
Short-cycling happens when your furnace turns on and off more frequently than usual. This can be caused by several factors, including a dirty air filter, a faulty thermostat, or a problem with the furnace itself.
While short-cycling may not seem like a big deal, it can lead to more significant problems. That’s why it’s essential to know the signs of short-cycling and what you can do to fix the issue.
Read on as we further discuss the causes and symptoms of furnace short-cycling and what you should do about it.
What Causes Your Furnace to Short-Cycle?
Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter can cause your furnace to short-cycle. The air filter is essential for keeping the air in your home clean and free of dust and other particles. When this becomes clogged, it can restrict the airflow to your furnace, causing it to cycle on and off more frequently.
Faulty Thermostat
Thermostats are designed to turn your furnace on and off to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. But if your thermostat is faulty, it can cause your furnace to turn on and off more often than it should. This makes your furnace overheat and shut down prematurely, which will shorten its lifespan.
If you’re unsure whether your thermostat is the cause of your furnace’s short-cycling, then it’s best to contact a professional. They can troubleshoot the problem for you.
Heat Grates Have Been Blocked
Heat grates are the metal grates that cover the openings of your furnace. These grates help to distribute heat evenly throughout your home. However, if they become blocked, it can cause your furnace to overheat and turn off prematurely.
There are a few different ways that heat grates can become blocked. One way is if they become covered in dust and debris. This can happen if your furnace isn’t properly maintained. Another way is if objects block the grates, such as furniture or rugs.
If your heat grates are blocked, it’s vital to have them cleaned as soon as possible. This will help to prevent your furnace from short-cycling and prolong its lifespan.
Exhaust Vent Blockage
The exhaust vent is the pipe that carries the combustion gases from your furnace to the outdoors. If this pipe becomes blocked, the gases can’t escape, and the furnace will shut down to prevent itself from overloading. In some cases, the furnace may turn back on before it’s had a chance to cool down, leading to a short-cycle.
Once you’ve cleared the blockage, your furnace should return to regular operation. If it doesn’t, another issue may be causing the short-cycling, so it’s best to call a professional for help.
The Furnace That Is Too Large for Your Residence
When a furnace is too large, it takes up too much space and cannot effectively circulate the air. This can lead to a build-up of heat and moisture, which can cause problems with your home’s insulation and air conditioning.
Thermostat Is in the Incorrect Location
Your thermostat is one of the most critical components of your HVAC system, and its location can significantly impact its performance. If it is in the wrong spot, it could be causing your system to short-cycle, leading to several problems.
If your thermostat is located in a hot spot, it will turn on your air conditioner more frequently to cool down the area around it. This can lead to your air conditioner working overtime, ultimately shortening its lifespan.
On the other hand, if your thermostat is located in a spot that’s too cold, it will turn on your heater more frequently to warm up the area around it. This can also lead to your heater working overtime.
What Are the Signs That Your Furnace Is Short-Cycling?
If your furnace is short-cycling, it turns on and off more frequently than usual. This can be tricky to see, but if you keep an eye on your furnace, you should be able to tell if it’s turning on more frequently than it used to.
Another sign of a short-cycling furnace is that your furnace will run for shorter periods than it used to. So, if your furnace used to run for 20 minutes at a time and now it’s only running for 10 minutes, that’s another sign that something is wrong.
Finally, you might notice that your furnace is blowing cold air instead of warm air. This is because when your furnace turns on and off frequently, it doesn’t have time to heat up properly, so it blows out cold air.
What Should You Do If Your Furnace Is Short-Cycling?
First, check your furnace filter and make sure that it’s clean. A dirty filter can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to, leading to short-cycling.
Then make sure that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and that the batteries are fresh. If it is set correctly and the batteries are good, the next step is to check for obstructions. Sometimes, dirt or dust can build up on the thermostat and cause it to malfunction.
Replace your furnace if it’s showing signs of wear. A worn furnace will not be able to cycle as frequently and may need to be replaced sooner.
Conclusion
If your furnace is short-cycling, it’s essential to figure out the root cause so you can fix it. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting energy and money, and your furnace could risk breaking down prematurely.
There are a few common causes of furnace short-cycling, such as a dirty air filter, a faulty thermostat, or a problem with the blower fan. If unsure what’s causing the issue, it’s best to call a professional.
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