How to Stop Your Furnace Short Cycling

During the winter, your furnace will turn on and off a lot to keep up with your heating demands. But if the system is turning on and off repeatedly without affecting your temperature, it’s experiencing a problem called short cycling. This means your unit is not running correctly or efficiently, leading to higher heating bills and system damage. The good news? The Carrier® experts at RJ Heating and Air Conditioning can help you fix furnace short cycling. Learn more about this problem below—including how to spot it—and call us at 414-463-1140.

What Causes Furnace Short Cycling?

The causes of furnace short cycling vary. They include:

• Dirty air filters
• Failed flame sensors
• Clogged flues
• Problems with your thermostat
• Furnace that’s too big or small for your home

What Are the Signs of Furnace Short Cycling?

A constantly running furnace is only one sign of a faulty system. You may also notice inconsistent home temperatures, or a thermostat reading that doesn’t match the actual temperature of your house. Other signs of a short-cycling furnace include varying temperatures room to room and a system that makes clicking, banging, or other odd noises.

How Can I Stop Furnace Short Cycling?

Before calling in the professionals, there’s a few things to try to help fix the problem on your own.

First, check and verify that your furnace air filter is clean. If not, switch it out for a fresh one to see if that solves the problem. Then, take a walk around your home and check all vents and registers for obstructions—and clear them. Also check the exhaust vent outside your home and clear away any ice or debris that might be built up there. Finally, inspect your thermostat. Make sure it’s functioning correctly and not located anywhere drafty or overly warm. Replace the batteries if needed.

Above all, remember that annual furnace maintenance can also prevent short cycling. In fact, by having your system inspected on a regular basis, you can prevent many common heating problems.

Time to Call the Professionals?

If you’ve tried the steps above and they don’t help, or you suspect your issue has to do with the inner workings of your furnace, it’s best to involve the professional RJ Heating team. We’ll quickly figure out what’s going on with your system and bring it back up and running as soon as possible. Call us today at 414-463-1140 or  contact us online.