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

Your furnace keeps your home cozy during the harsh winter months, so it’s annoying when something is off. One routine complaint is a furnace that continuously turns on and switches off all the time. This issue is referred to as short cycling. It overworks equipment and could lead to expensive repairs or even earlier than normal replacement. 

Short cycling can happen for a few reasons. Before you request furnace repair, consider the likely causes and how to resolve the issue. 

1. Filthy Air Filter 

The HVAC filter catches airborne dust, hair and other substances that could damage the furnace. If you don’t replace the filter frequently, it can get dirty and decrease the airflow. When this occurs, a safety mechanism turns off the furnace to prevent getting too warm. Check the filter, and if it’s dirty, replace it. From now on, install a new filter every 30 to 90 days to stop your furnace from short cycling. 

2. Blocked Air Vents 

A dirty filter isn’t the only thing that can restrict airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your house and check for shut or blocked air vents. For adequate 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 flow right, creating overheating and short cycling. Regularly putting in a new the filter is the easiest way to prevent 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 cortex of your HVAC system and tells the furnace what to do. Make sure the thermostat is set to heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature displayed on the screen. Try changing the batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in bright sunlight or near a heat source that could affect the temperature reading. If you use a smart thermostat, check the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting tips. 

5. Sooty Flame Sensor 

The flame sensor switches off the gas valve when no burner flame going. The sensor can’t detect the flame if it’s coated in soot, so the gas shuts off prematurely and the furnace shuts off. Leave the work of repairing a sooty flame sensor to an Expert like A1 Chesney Service Experts. 

6. Oversized Furnace 

When it includes heating and cooling equipment, larger isn’t always best. A bigger system adds warmth to your home too rapidly, leading to unpleasant temperature swings and short cycling. The only way to resolve this problem is to request new furnace installation. 

If you try the resolutions we went over here to no avail, it’s time to call in the pros at A1 Chesney Service Experts. We’ll take a look at the situation, diagnose the cause, and provide the necessary repair. Our aim is to reintroduce indoor comfort, energy efficiency and dependable furnace performance for the remainder of the season. And our repairs are supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about furnace short cycling, or to schedule HVAC repair, reach us at 587-315-5271 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.