There are few things worse than when a device that usually works with just the flip of a switch suddenly stops cooperating. At Bucks County Fuel, we completely understand your irritation, and we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll share essential tips to troubleshoot and resolve common issues to get you back up and running smoothly.
Why Your Furnace Keeps Turning On And Off
How Do I Know If My Unit Is Short Cycling?
If your unit keeps turning off within two minutes after turning it on then it is indeed short cycling. On average a furnace should turn on for about 5 minutes at a time, only a few times in an hour. So if its not lasting 5 minutes, something along the way in it’s process is being affected, and there is a range of possibilities that can be the cause.
Regular maintenance not only enhances safety but also boosts your furnace’s performance. This preparation ensures that your heating system will operate efficiently when the temperature drops and you need it the most.
Safety
Your heater short cycling isn’t all bad. In fact, it may just be doing it’s job. All furnaces come equipped with a high limit switch that when it detects unsafe malfunctions like the unit overheating it will not allow the unit to keep running. Thankfully there is this function, but it sure still can be inconvenient.
What You Should Do – Check your filter. Your furnace filter takes on a tough job, trying to cling all the dirt and allergens to itself so that you can have better air quality. But its job is important for the continuation of the furnace’s job of heating your home. When a filter becomes extremely dirty your furnace will not be able to properly circulate air which can make the unit overheat, which could be causing the short cycling issue.
Thermostat Settings and Heater Cycling
If your heater frequently turns on and off, also known as short cycling, it could be due to your thermostat settings. The thermostat acts as the control center for your heating system, telling it when to start and stop based on the temperature in your home. However, incorrect settings or malfunctions can cause the heater to cycle improperly.
Here are some common thermostat-related issues that can cause frequent cycling:
Temperature Setting Too High or Too Low: Setting your thermostat to a temperature significantly different from the current room temperature can cause your system to work harder, cycling on and off more frequently as it tries to reach the desired level.- Incorrect Fan Settings: If your thermostat’s fan setting is on “Auto,” it will only run when your system is heating. However, if it’s set to “On,” the fan may run continuously, making it seem like the system is constantly cycling.
- Placement of the Thermostat: If your thermostat is located near a heat source, draft, or in direct sunlight, it may give false readings, causing the heater to turn on and off unnecessarily.
- Old or Faulty Thermostat: An outdated or malfunctioning thermostat can also misread your home’s temperature, resulting in improper cycling.
To address these issues, start by checking and adjusting your thermostat settings. Make sure the temperature setting is appropriate, the fan is on the correct mode, and that the thermostat is not placed in an area where it can receive inaccurate readings. If you suspect your thermostat is faulty, consider replacing it with a modern, programmable model for better control and efficiency.
Proper thermostat management can help maintain a consistent indoor temperature and prevent your heater from cycling excessively, saving energy and extending the lifespan of your system.
Inspect Return Ducts and Registers for Blockages
Return ducts pull air into your furnace system, while registers are the vents that release warm air into your home. Blockages from furniture or other items can impede airflow, causing your furnace blower to cycle on and off more frequently. To maintain optimal airflow, it’s essential to keep these areas unobstructed.
Here’s a quick guide to ensure your return ducts and registers are clear:
- Move any furniture or objects that may be blocking your return ducts and registers.
- Use a vacuum with a crevice tool to remove dust and debris from the ducts and registers.
- Once cleaned, reattach any vent or register covers that were removed.
Keeping your ducts and registers clear will help your system run efficiently and maintain consistent heating throughout your home.
Flame Sensor
Another common reason for short cycling in furnaces is a dirty flame sensor. The flame sensor is a crucial safety component that detects whether the gas burner has ignited properly. Over time, the flame sensor can become coated with dust and grime, which makes it less effective at its job. When this happens, the sensor might incorrectly signal that the burner isn’t working, leading the furnace to shut off the gas supply as a precaution. This can cause the furnace to turn on and off repeatedly in short bursts, which not only disrupts your home’s heating but also strains the system and reduces its efficiency. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the flame sensor, is essential to keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that it provides consistent heat without unnecessary interruptions.
Contact Bucks County Fuel today for professional and reliable HVAC services in the Bucks County, PA area!
