If your furnace keeps turning on and off, you may feel frustrated trying to understand what’s causing the problem. When a furnace turns on then off after a few minutes, this is known as “short cycling.” Unfortunately, there isn’t one straightforward solution to this problem since there are several reasons why your furnace may be short cycling.
Below, we’ll discuss the four most common causes of a short-cycling furnace and how to get your heating system back to its usual performance.
1. An Old Air Filter
Dirty air filters can create several problems for furnaces. For instance, a dirty air filter can restrict the airflow to and from your furnace, which can lead to the heat exchanger retaining an excessive amount of heat. As a result, your furnace may end up overheating—and shutting down.
If your furnace turns on then off after a few minutes, inspect your air filter. Cleaning or replacing an old HVAC filter can help keep your furnace (and air conditioner) energy efficient. When these systems are working correctly, you can worry less about wear and tear and avoid costly repairs.
2. A Faulty Thermostat
If your furnace keeps turning on and off, it’s time to check your thermostat. Old wiring, dead batteries, or improper programming could be causing your furnace to short cycle.
Also, if your thermostat is too close to a heat source, such as a heat register, this could cause your thermostat to think that your home is warm enough and doesn’t need heat. As a result, your furnace may shut off and on.
3. An Oversized Furnace
It’s crucial to ensure that your furnace is the right size for your home. If it’s too big for your home (or too small), this can lead to problems—including short cycling.
When you have an oversized furnace, your home will be heated at an incredibly quick rate, and the furnace will shut off once it’s completed its job. This may be why it seems like your furnace turns on then off after a few minutes. The constant on-and-off cycle can cause considerable damage to your furnace, potentially leading to a premature replacement.
4. A Dirty Flame Sensor
Your furnace has several safety devices, including a high limit switch and flame sensor. The high limit switch keeps your furnace from getting too hot, while the flame sensor keeps track of how much gas is entering the furnace. If your furnace keeps turning on and off, a dirty flame sensor may be to blame.
When the flame sensor is dirty or corroded, it will be unable to do its job properly and might not sense a flame. If the flame sensor cannot sense a flame, it may be why your furnace turns on then off after a few minutes.
Call Our Furnace Pros
If your furnace is constantly short cycling, one of these common causes may be to blame. However, if your furnace keeps turning on and off after several repair attempts by a professional technician, it may be time for a furnace replacement.
From air conditioning system maintenance to heater repair in Hicksville, NY, the experts at Gold Star have done it all. We have the experience and dedication to meet all of your heating needs.
Get in touch with our friendly team to schedule a furnace replacement in Hicksville, NY, today!