Furnace Short Cycling Can Damage Your Air Conditioning
Furnace short cycling is a common issue that can cause a lot of frustration for homeowners. It refers to a situation where a furnace turns on and off frequently, often for no apparent reason. This not only leads to wasted energy and increased utility bills, but it can also cause wear and tear on the furnace and shorten its lifespan.In this article, we will explore the causes of furnace short cycling, the potential damage it can cause, and how to prevent it. We will also discuss Video Chat a Pro, a service that can provide expert HVAC help online to homeowners who are dealing with a furnace short cycling and other heating and cooling problems.
Causes of Furnace Short Cycling
There are several potential causes of furnace short cycling. The most common are listed below.
- Dirty air filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow to the furnace, causing it to overheat and shut off. This can also cause the furnace to turn on and off frequently as it tries to maintain the desired temperature.
- Thermostat issues: A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the furnace to turn on and off at the wrong times, leading to short cycling.
- Overheating: A furnace that is overheating due to a dirty or clogged air filter, blocked vents, or other issues may shut off to prevent damage.
- Flame sensor issues: A malfunctioning flame sensor can cause the furnace to shut off prematurely, leading to short cycling.
- Improperly sized furnace: If the furnace is too large for the space it is heating, it may cycle on and off frequently in an attempt to maintain the desired temperature.
Damage Caused by Furnace Short Cycling
Furnace short cycling can cause several types of damage, including:
- Increased wear and tear: The frequent turning on and off of the furnace can cause additional wear and tear on the components, leading to premature failure.
- Increased energy bills: The constant cycling of the furnace uses more energy, leading to higher utility bills.
- Reduced comfort: Furnace short cycling can cause uneven heating, leading to hot and cold spots in the home.
- Reduced lifespan: The increased wear and tear caused by short cycling can shorten the lifespan of the furnace, requiring more frequent repairs or replacement.
Preventing Furnace Short Cycling
To prevent furnace short cycling, homeowners can take the steps below.
- Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance of the furnace, including cleaning the air filter, checking the thermostat, and inspecting the components, can help prevent issues that lead to short cycling.
- Proper sizing: Ensuring that the furnace is properly sized for the space it is heating can prevent short cycling.
- Adequate airflow: Ensuring that the furnace has adequate airflow, including clean air filters and unblocked vents, can help prevent overheating and short cycling.
- Professional installation: Having the furnace installed by a professional can ensure that it is installed correctly and prevent issues that can lead to short cycling.
Ask Heating and Air Conditioning Technicians Questions
If homeowners are experiencing furnace short cycling or other HVAC issues, Video Chat a Pro can provide expert help. The service connects homeowners with licensed and insured HVAC professionals who can diagnose and repair issues remotely via video chat.
With Video Chat a Pro, homeowners can get help with furnace short cycling and other HVAC issues without having to wait for an in-person appointment or pay for an expensive service call. The service is available 24/7 and offers a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring that homeowners can get the help they need when they need it.
In conclusion, furnace short cycling is a common issue that can cause frustration, increased energy bills, and damage to the furnace. Preventing short cycling through regular maintenance, proper sizing, and adequate airflow can help homeowners avoid these issues. If short cycling does occur, Video Chat a Pro can provide HVAC technicians to properly diagnose why your furnace is short cycling.