6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Switching Off and How to Resolve It 

Your furnace keeps your house warm during the harsh winter months, so it’s frustrating when something is off. One routine issue is a furnace that continuously kicks on and turns off over and over. This issue is known as short cycling. It overworks equipment and could result in costly repairs or even premature failure. 

Short cycling can be caused by for a few reasons. Before you book furnace repair, review the potential causes and how to fix the problem. 

1. Dirty Air Filter 

The HVAC filter attracts airborne dust, hair and other debris that could wreak havoc on furnace. If you don’t replace the filter regularly, it can eventually be dirty and reduce the airflow. When this occurs, a safety device switches off the furnace to stop getting too hot. Pull Out the filter, and if it’s dirty, install a new one. From here on out, replace the filter every 30 to 90 days to keep your furnace from short cycling. 

2. Blocked Air Vents 

A dirty filter isn’t the only thing that can lower airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your home and check for unopened or obstructed air vents. For proper system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in unused rooms. 

3. Dirty Blower Wheel 

The furnace blower has blades that move air through the ductwork. If they are covered in dirt, the air won’t travel properly, leading to overheating and short cycling. Regularly replacing the filter is the easiest approach to stop a dirty blower wheel. If the blades are already dirty, schedule furnace maintenance to have them cleaned. 

4. Faulty Thermostat 

Inspect your thermostat next. This is the brain of your HVAC system and gives the furnace instructions on what to do. Make sure the thermostat is set to heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature showing on the screen. Try changing the batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in bright sunlight or near a heat source that could impact the temperature reading. If you use a smart thermostat, check the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting tips. 

5. Dirty Flame Sensor 

The flame sensor is responsible for turning off the gas valve when no burner flame is present. The sensor can’t detect the flame if it’s coated in soot, so the gas turns off prematurely and the furnace turns off. Leave the work of fixing a dirty flame sensor to an Expert like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. 

6. Oversized Furnace 

When it comes to HVAC equipment, larger isn’t always better. An oversized system heats up your house too fast, leading to unpleasant temperature swings and short cycling. The only way to resolve this problem is to request new furnace installation. 

If you go through the resolutions we mentioned here to no avail, it’s time to reach the Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll take a look at the situation, diagnose the cause, and perform the necessary service. Our priority is to restore indoor comfort, energy efficiency and reliable furnace performance for all season long. And our services are supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about furnace short cycling, or to schedule HVAC repair, reach us at 954-736-4314 now! 

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*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.