Within 10 to 15 minutes, your furnace should be able to heat your home in River Ridge, LA. Short, frequent cycles mean the furnace is malfunctioning, and the cause could range from dirt build-up on the motor to a thermostat problem.
An Overheating Furnace
The number one reason for short cycling is overheating. Furnaces have a safety feature where they shut down when the internal temperature exceeds a certain point. Chances are that your system can’t complete a cycle because of this.
Obstructions to airflow, such as a dirty filter or blocked supply vent, can cause overheating because of the stress they put on the motor. The temperature will also rise if dirt and dust accumulate on the motor or heat exchanger and create an insulating layer over them.
Issue With the Thermostat
Your thermostat is the furnace’s brain, starting it up and shutting it down based on the indoor temperature and the set point. Over time, though, it could mistake the temperature inside and shut the heating system down before it actually does its job. Professional maintenance can include thermostat calibration.
An Oversized Furnace
Short cycling can occur because an oversized furnace is inefficiently heating the home. The constant on-and-off operations increase your utility bill and cause unnecessary stress to the furnace. In cases like this, homeowners can do nothing except replace the entire furnace; otherwise, they’ll continue to get inadequate heating and wear the system down prematurely. It’s important for a professional technician to conduct a sizing calculation prior to purchasing an HVAC system.
We Welcome All Brands
Since 2008, Caribbean Breeze Heating & Cooling has completed furnace repairs throughout the River Ridge area, so call us today for an inspection of your short-cycling unit. Our NATE-certified technicians can work on any make or model, and we’ll back their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
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