If you’ve noticed your furnace keeps shutting off, it’s likely you’re experiencing an issue called “short cycling.” In today’s post, we look at a few common causes for a furnace that’s short cycling and what you can do about it.

What is Short Cycling?

Your furnace should be able to complete its full operational cycle, only shutting off once this cycle has been completed. Short cycling occurs when your furnace shuts off before completing its full cycle.

Short cycling is problematic because it means your furnace spends most of its time running in its start-up phase, rather than at its optimal performance level. This means the unit is constantly stuck in the phase that uses the most energy, which can increase utility bills. Furthermore, constantly turning on and off increases wear and tear on your unit, which means more frequent repair and a shorter lifespan for your unit in the long run. Let’s look at the most common causes for this issue:

Inappropriately Sized Unit

This occurs when a unit is simply too big and powerful for the space it’s heating. In this case, the unit achieves the desired temperature quickly and shuts off. This might seem like a good thing, but as we mentioned above, this makes your unit less energy efficient and causes unnecessary wear and tear on its parts. If you suspect this is the issue, have a technician inspect your unit for sizing.

Low Airflow

Low airflow can cause a system to shut off as a safety measure that prevents the unit from overheating. It can be caused by the following:

• Dirty Air Filters.
• Blocked/dirty air vents.
• Blocked/dirty air return registers.
• Dirty or faulty blower wheel.

Air filters should be cleaned and replaced regularly, while air vents and return registers can be cleaned and inspected at home. Be sure to disconnect power before inspecting elements like the blower wheel/fan or have a professional take a look.

A Faulty Thermostat

A broken or faulty thermostat can cause your unit to turn on or off at inappropriate times. A few troubleshooting tips include replacing batteries, ensuring the wiring isn’t faulty and checking the placement of a thermostat. It’s important to ensure a thermostat hasn’t been installed in an area prone to extreme temperature fluctuations, such as in direct sunlight.

Gold Star Services Can Help

Gold Star Services is backed by the Google Guarantee for reliable service, and our customer testimonials speak for themselves. Our team is always ready to help in the areas of heating, air conditioning and water heaters. Call 1-302-947-8694 to get started!