Help! My Furnace Won’t Stay On Long Enough!

A furnace might not stay on long enough to complete a proper heating cycle. When this happens, your system is short cycling, which can cause long-term damage. Here are several things that can cause a furnace in Thomasville, GA, to short cycle:

Air Filter Has a Blockage

A dirty air filter can cause more trouble than you probably realize. When there’s a clog in the filter, the furnace might overheat because the air isn’t flowing freely like it should.

If the furnace overheats, it might turn itself off to prevent damage. This can happen repeatedly until someone checks the filter and replaces it with a clean one.

Faulty Thermostat

A thermostat that’s near a heat source can cause the furnace to short cycle. For example, consider a thermostat that’s near a sunny window or a warm appliance.

A thermostat in that position might register higher temperatures than the actual room temperature. And if the system gets incorrect temperature information, it won’t function properly. This can also happen if the thermostat is out of date or has wiring issues.

Furnace That’s Too Large

If your system is too large for your home, it can heat the space quickly and shut off before completing a full cycle. This can cause uneven heating and put a lot of wear and tear on the system. You can contact an HVAC professional to help you determine if your furnace is the correct size for your home.

Obstruction in Vents or Ductwork

If there’s a blockage that restricts the airflow through vents or ducts, the furnace can overheat. A system that overheats is likely to turn off as a safety measure.

This continuous “on” and “off” cycle of overheating will continue until the obstruction is clear. Make sure vents are open and clear of obstructions and check your ductwork for blockages or leaks.

Addressing these causes of short cycling can help your furnace operate more efficiently and extend its lifespan. Contact Waller Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a heating repair in Thomasville, GA, or the surrounding areas.

Image provided by iStock