6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Turning Off and How to Take Care of It 

Your furnace keeps your you comfortable during the harsh winter months, so it’s frustrating when something isn’t quite right. One frequent issue is a furnace that continuously switches on and shuts back off all the time. This issue is known as short cycling. It overworks equipment and may cause pricey repairs or even earlier than normal breakdowns. 

Short cycling can be caused by for varying reasons. Before you schedule furnace repair, review the possible causes and how to resolve the issue. 

1. Dirty Air Filter 

The HVAC filter catches airborne dust, hair and other debris that could damage the furnace. If you don’t get a new filter often enough, it can eventually be filthy and decrease the airflow. When this occurs, a safety feature shuts off the furnace to prevent overheating. Inspect the filter, and if it’s dirty, replace it. From here on out, get a new filter every 30 to 90 days to prevent your furnace from short cycling. 

2. Clogged Air Vents 

A dirty filter isn’t the only trouble that can reduce airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your home and look for unopened or blocked air vents. For recommended system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in empty rooms. 

3. Dirty Blower Wheel 

The furnace blower has blades that distribute air through the ductwork. If they are caked with dirt, the air won’t move properly, creating overheating and short cycling. Regularly changing the filter is the best way to prevent a dirty blower wheel. If the blades are already dirty, schedule furnace maintenance to have them cleaned. 

4. Faulty Thermostat 

Check your thermostat next. This is the core of your HVAC system and instructs the furnace on what to do. Ensure the thermostat is set to heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature displayed on the screen. Try putting in new batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in bright sunlight or near a heat source that could impact the temperature reading. If you rely on a smart thermostat, check the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting instructions. 

5. Sooty Flame Sensor 

The flame sensor is responsible for turning off the gas valve when no burner flame on. The sensor can’t find the flame if it’s sooty, so the gas shuts off too soon and the furnace shuts off. Leave the job of cleaning a sooty flame sensor to an Expert like Stevenson Service Experts. 

6. Oversized Furnace 

When it includes heating and cooling equipment, bigger isn’t always best. A bigger system warms up your residence too rapidly, creating uncomfortable temperature fluctuations and short cycling. The only way to fix this problem is to request new furnace installation

If you attempt the resolutions suggested here to no avail, it’s time to call in the Experts at Stevenson Service Experts. We’ll examine the situation, pinpoint the cause, and do the necessary service. Our priority is to restore indoor comfort, energy efficiency and trustworthy furnace performance for all season long. And our work is upheld by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about furnace short cycling, or to book HVAC repair, call us at 614-334-3192 right away! 

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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. 

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