The furnace is an essential device, especially in cold weather, as it’s a gas-based central air system that distributes heat to vital areas of the house. Its main components are the control system, burners, heat exchanger, gas valves, ducts and ventilation system. Keep in mind that, like any household appliance, you may encounter issues that need immediate attention, such as short cycling. Here we delve into the reasons why this occurs.
Upon furnace installation, homeowners must understand the appropriate cycling and necessary solutions in order to stay safe and comfortable. Here are some factors to consider:
Air leaks. Poor insulation hinders your furnace in producing enough air to heat your home efficiently. Newly-heated air will escape through gaps and cracks, preventing your system from properly heating your rooms. What you can do is make sure the air ducts are properly sealed, as well as the furnace cabinet.
Blocked exhaust vent. If your exhaust vent pipe has become clogged or damaged, this can cause furnace issues. When this happens, the flue limiter will shut down the furnace to protect you from carbon monoxide and other dangers. A common cause of a blocked exhaust fan is an animal or bird’s nest. If you notice a significant flue clog, call for an expert right away to restore your system if you can’t remove it yourself.
Dirty furnace filter. Heating service experts will remind you that furnaces have filters, and having a dirty one could be the reason why your furnace short cycles. As mentioned before, a clogged or dirty filter struggles to pass air through your furnace to the heat exchanger. This can cause the heat exchanger to overheat, trip the fan limiter and shut down your furnace. Have your filters regularly cleaned or replaced whenever necessary.
Faulty electronic ignition. If your igniter is malfunctioning or the pilot light continues to shut off, this could signal short cycling. If your furnace breaks down completely, this indicates that you’ll need a new model to fix the issue.
Furnace overheating. Frequent overheating will result in your furnace turning itself off to prevent potential damage. Faulty temperature monitors will result in an inefficient system, leading to temperature swings and short cycling. As this is a significant concern, reaching out to a local HVAC professional to schedule a system repair is the ideal solution. After all, HVAC technicians will use specialized equipment to safely restore a heating system.
Oversized furnace. Bigger is not always better. Air conditioning repair and heating professionals say an extensive system can cause short cycling by quickly and unevenly distributing air. If your furnace is short cycling or you notice that your energy bills are higher than usual, you may want to check the size of your furnace. In this case, the best way to prevent a furnace from short cycling is to replace the system with one that fits your home.
Thermostat issues. Suppose you’ve eliminated a dirty air filter as the cause. In that case, the next most likely culprit for short cycling is your thermostat. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, it may be telling the furnace to shut off prematurely. The solution will have to be shutting off the thermostat, opening the unit and replacing the batteries. Afterward, you can turn the system back on and monitor it for an hour as it runs to see if the problem is fixed.
The Importance of Maintenance
As a homeowner, one of your primary roles is cleaning and maintaining your furnace whenever necessary. This process involves:
- Changing the air filters promptly
- Checking the amount of refrigerant, the belts for tightness and wear and the thermostat’s accuracy
- Clearing the indoor vents of any dirt and debris
- Inspecting electric terminals and cleaning and tightening connections
- Measuring the evaporator coil’s airflow
- Oiling the unit’s motors
- Running tests for seal leaks in ducts
- Tidying up the outside unit
For a better understanding and to avoid expensive heating and air conditioning repair, here are some of the reasons why regular upkeep is beneficial:
Preventing carbon monoxide leaks. Ensure that a reliable HVAC technician thoroughly assesses your furnace by checking the necessary mechanisms to ensure each component is in order. Experts note that carbon monoxide is the byproduct of furnace usage. It escapes through the system’s exhaust pipes. However, this substance can also leak inside your home and cause health problems that can be fatal.
Achieving savings by preventing costly repairs. When you get a furnace or heating service repair, you’ll spend less money than if you had waited for the furnace to break down. Regular furnace maintenance saves people a lot more money and time. It allows technicians to fix minor issues before they grow into expensive repairs. Furthermore, scheduled maintenance boosts your unit’s energy efficiency, resulting in more savings on your utilities.
Improving indoor air quality. If you haven’t turned your furnace on for several months, its air filter may have already accumulated dust and dirt. This can be addressed by calling an expert, as maintenance usually includes replacing the filter with a new one.
Remember that according to residential window replacement and HVAC installers, the simplest way to ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently is to replace the air filters regularly. Over time, dirt and debris will build up on them. Make it a habit to have your systems checked, maintained and cleaned and your filters replaced regularly. This will also enable you to save money on furnace and air conditioner repair and replacement costs.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Your home needs to be well-prepared when the weather changes, so trust Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning to help you protect your home throughout the year. We’re continuously working to maintain the highest level of quality while constantly improving wherever possible. We do this not just to attract new customers, but also – and more importantly – to keep our current customers satisfied with our service and products. For HVAC maintenance, furnace installation and duct cleaning services, call us at (440) 298-4698 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
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