If the heating system in your Cheverly, MD home keeps turning on and off, it could be a sign of problems that need repair before winter hits. Let’s take a look at some of the causes of short-cycling and what you can do about it.
What Is Short-Cycling?
Furnaces will turn on and off again a few times an hour when doing its job correctly. But when it starts doing it every few minutes, you may have a short-cycling problem on your hands. The easiest way to spot short-cycling is not by how frequently it turns off and on, but by how long it runs when it is on. The shorter the time it runs, the more likely it is to be short-cycling.
Your System May Be Too Big
Short-cycling could be a sign your heating system is too big for your home. If this is the case, it can cause uneven distribution in your home. This makes your furnace repeatedly kick back on to compensate.
Thermostat Issues
It may be that your furnace is fine, and it’s your thermostat that needs adjustment. When thermostats go on the fritz, they can send your heating system mixed signals, telling it to turn on and off when it doesn’t need to.
Air Filter Health
Make sure your air filter isn’t clogged. If it is, your furnace may overheat and start short-cycling. You can check your air filter yourself, and it’s always a good idea to replace it when it gets too dirty.
Between air leaks, damaged parts, blocked exhaust, and other reasons, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of your system’s short-cycling. Call in an expert to identify and fix the problem to avoid the damages and loss of efficiency that short-cycling can cause.
When your heating system starts short-cycling, you should schedule a repair as soon as you can to avoid damage to your system. Contact our team at Griffith Energy Services through our website or by phone at 888-474-3391.
Image provided by Shutterstock
