What Is Furnace Short Cycling and How to Fix It
Furnace short cycling is a malfunction that occurs in most modern furnaces. The cycle is often referred to as a “hard start” in which the heat generated by the furnace does not heat the home properly. Cycling occurs when the furnace, which should be running continuously, begins to start and stop at irregular intervals. This can be caused by a faulty pilot light, a clogged or worn out filter or several other malfunctions.
It is important to identify the cause of short cycling and rectify it as quickly as possible. Delaying the process can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in repairs or replacements. Thankfully, it is possible to diagnose, repair, and prevent short cycling to extend the life of your furnace.
Signs of Furnace Short Cycling
The first step in troubleshooting short cycling is to recognize the signs of furnace short cycling. Below are some of the most common signs.
- The furnace turns on and off repeatedly in intervals ranging from 10-60 seconds.
- You may not feel the same amount of heat coming from the vents for the same amount of time as before.
- Your furnace has to work harder than usual to heat up the entire home.
- Furnace will run for brief cycles and cycle off unusually frequently.
- A clicking sound can be heard from the furnace.
If you have noticed any of these signs, it’s time to get your furnace checked.
Common Causes of Furnace Short Cycling
Once the signs of furnace short cycling have been identified, the next step is to identify the cause. Common causes include:
- Clogged air filters.
- Thermostat settings that are too high.
- Defective or leaking pressure switches.
- Overly large furnace size or inappropriate furnace application.
- Faulty ignition system or pilot light.
- Problems with the air conditioning system.
Having an expert examine your furnace is the best way to conclude what the cause of the problem is. There are a few things that homeowners can do on their own to possibly identify the source of the furnace short cycling.
Troubleshooting Furnace Short Cycling
There are a few easy and safe steps you can take before calling an HVAC expert to troubleshoot the cause of your furnace short cycling:
- Check the air filter to make sure it is not clogged.
- Make sure that the thermostat is set to the desired temperature.
- Confirm the size of the furnace being used is appropriate for the space being heated.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, it’s time to contact a professional HVAC technician.
Contact a Professional HVAC Technician
Once you’ve determined that you may have a faulty pilot light, a clogged filter, or a more complex issue, it’s time to call a professional. A qualified HVAC technician can come to your home to diagnose the problem and determine whether repair or replacement is necessary.
In some cases, the technician may diagnose a quick fix, like changing your filters, cleaning the pilot light, or tightening a loose connection. However, in more serious situations, all of the components of the furnace may need to be replaced.
It is important to have a professional to look at your furnace, as attempting to fix it on your own can lead to further damages and higher repair or replacement costs. An experienced technician can safely and correctly diagnose and resolve your short cycling issues quickly and efficiently.
Prevention of Furnace Short Cycling
Once your furnace is fixed, there are steps you can take to protect your furnace and ensure that the short cycling problem does not come back again.
- Change or clean your air filters every month. Air filters that are clogged can decrease the airflow and cause short cycling.
- Install a fresh battery in the furnace’s safety switch. This is important as the safety switch turns off the furnace if it begins to overheat.
- Make sure your thermostat is set to the proper temperature.
Once the above steps have been taken, your furnace should no longer experience any short cycling issues.
Final Thoughts
Furnace short cycling can be a major annoyance – not to mention, a costly problem if not addressed quickly. If you notice any signs of furnace short cycling, it’s time to contact an experienced HVAC technician. Taking preventative steps, changing your air filters, and start with a new battery will also keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently.
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Furnace Short Cycling
Furnace short cycling is an issue caused by the furnace running too frequently throughout the day and night, leading to poor efficiency and an increased risk of system breakdowns. To help avoid this issue and keep your furnace running smoothly, San Diego-area appliance and HVAC technicians recommend taking the following preventive action:
Safety Check
Start by ensuring that the furnace is safe to use. This includes checking for any loose wires, cracks, or other signs of wear and tear. Additionally, make sure that the safety switch is functional.
Change the Filter
Change the air filters at least twice a year, or more frequently if you have pets or suffer from allergies. A clogged filter can reduce air flow, causing the furnace to work harder and heat the home less efficiently.
Clean the Vents
Check and clean the air vents periodically to remove dust, dirt, and other debris. Make sure all the cleaning tools are unplugged, and wear protective gear when doing the cleaning.
Check the Gas Lines
If you have a gas or oil furnace, inspect the regularity of the gas line or flue pipe throughout the year. Leaks can cause major issues with operation, like carbon monoxide production. In the event of a leak, contact an HVAC professional immediately.
Perform Regular Maintenance
It is essential to keep up with regular maintenance of your furnace. Schedule an annual inspection with a local technician to ensure that all systems are working properly and to prevent future problems.
By following these recommendations, homeowners in San Diego can take the necessary steps for furnace short cycling prevention and keep their furnace running smoothly.
Average Repair Cost for "Furnace Short Cycling" Issue in San Diego
If you are experiencing a Furnace Short Cycling issue in San Diego, the average repair or installation cost can range from the minimum repair or installation cost to a more complex repair. The following is a detailed list of the most commonly replaced parts and the associated prices for labor and parts.
Labor Costs:
The cost of labor in San Diego can depend greatly on the complexity of the job, but generally speaking it will begin at a minimum of $100, with more complex repairs ranging in the hundreds of dollars. Generally speaking the cost of the repair will include an inspection of the entire furnance system, and any necessary repairs required to bring the furnace into compliance with applicable codes.
Parts Costs:
The most commonly replaced parts for this type of repair can include a replacement pilot assembly, flame sensor, fan motor, blower or combustion fan motor, and the HVAC systems electrical components, such as wiring and capacitor. The average cost of these parts can range anywhere from $50–$200 depending on the part. In addition to the aforementioned parts, other necessary materials may include additional wiring, tubing and electrical conduit, filters, and fuel hoses, among others. The total cost of materials may run anywhere from $50–$200.
The best professional advice in San Diego for a repair of a Furnace Short Cycling issue is to call an experienced local appliance repair expert, such as Local Reliable Appliance Repair. They offer fast and reliable service with reasonable rates.
Beat Furnace Short Cycling: Get Professional Help
Furnace short cycling can be a tricky issue to diagnose and solve. When furnaces have difficulty starting or staying on, they invest more energy trying to correct the issue and result in increased monthly energy bills. That's why it's important to get professional help to fix the problem.
Local San Diego HVAC and appliance repair vendor, Reliable Appliance Repair, is a family-owned business that provides same-day service for appliance and HVAC repair and installations. They have highly trained technicians that have a minimum of 5 years experience in the field. The company is licensed and insured, plus offering fair and affordable pricing. As a first-time customer, customers can ask for $25 off labor.
When it comes to furnace short cycling and other issues, Reliable Appliance Repair offers the expertise and experience to get the job done quickly and effectively. By relying on their knowledge and service, customers can be sure to have an operating furnace and lower energy bills.
If you are frustrated with your HVAC system, don't let it linger. Contact Reliable Appliance Repair today and get the help you need. Get the same-day service that you need. As a first-time customer, you can get $25 off labor.
FAQ – What Is Furnace Short Cycling and How to Fix It
What is furnace short cycling?
Furnace short cycling is when a furnace turns on and off quickly, often running for only a few minutes before turning off. This is an inefficient way of heating your home, and can lead to a number of issues, including higher energy costs.
What can cause furnace short cycling?
There are a number of possible causes, including a dirty or faulty air filter, a damaged thermostat, or a faulty limit switch.
What are the risks of furnace short cycling?
Regular short cycling can cause the furnace to overheat and lead to more extensive damages. In addition, short cycling can cause your energy bills to rise due to the need for the furnace to overcompensate for the short cycling.
How can I fix furnace short cycling?
In most cases, you can fix furnace short cycling by changing the air filter, cleaning the blower motor and fan, and checking the limit switch and thermostat. If these steps don't resolve the issue, or if you feel uncomfortable trying to do the repairs on your own, it is important to call a reliable appliance repair technician to help you.
For Furnace short cycling, it's always best to call an experienced Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222 for troubleshooting and repair.