Winter is here, and no one wants to deal with furnace issues when it’s freezing cold outside. There are many common issues you might encounter, but if your furnace keeps turning on and off, you’re dealing with a common issue: short cycling.
While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, short cycling can lead to higher utility bills, unnecessary wear on your furnace, and potentially expensive repairs or replacement if left unaddressed. Understanding the causes behind short cycling can help you act quickly, hire a professional for furnace repair in Calgary, and prevent further damage. Here are the most common reasons your furnace turns on and off.
Low Airflow
Restricted airflow is one of the leading causes of short cycling. When your furnace can’t circulate air properly, it overheats and shuts off prematurely to protect itself. Common airflow problems include:
- Dirty Air Filters: A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat. Replacing filters every 60–90 days is crucial to maintaining proper function. Many people forget about their filters, but The Heating Ninja can help. Have new furnace filters delivered directly to your door when needed, so you don’t have to think about it.
- Blocked or Closed Vents: Ensure all supply vents are open and unobstructed, even in unused rooms. Blocked vents can result in uneven heating, forcing your furnace to cycle unnecessarily.
- Dirty Blower Wheel: Dirt buildup on the blower wheel reduces efficiency and can lead to overheating. Regular annual maintenance helps prevent this issue.
Faulty Thermostat
A faulty thermostat may cause your furnace to misread your home’s temperature, resulting in frequent cycling. This issue may arise from old wiring, dead batteries, or incorrect thermostat placement. If your thermostat is near a heat source like sunlight or a vent, it might falsely sense that the room has reached the desired temperature, shutting the furnace off prematurely. Installing a programmable or smart thermostat and ensuring proper placement can resolve this problem.
Dirty or Corroded Flame Sensor
Your flame sensor is a safety feature that detects if the burner is lit. If the sensor is dirty or corroded, it may not recognize the flame, causing the furnace to shut off as a precaution. Cleaning or replacing the flame sensor is best left to an HVAC professional to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Additional Causes of Short Cycling
Beyond these common issues, there are other potential culprits for a furnace that keeps shutting off. A blocked flue pipe can prevent exhaust gases from escaping, leading to overheating. A faulty blower motor can disrupt airflow, and an oversized furnace may heat your space too quickly, causing frequent cycling. All these issues require professional diagnosis and repair.
Don’t Ignore a Short Cycling Furnace
Addressing a short cycling furnace as soon as you notice it will help avoid escalating costs and prevent major breakdowns, which is especially important in the winter and close to the holiday season. Regular maintenance from an HVAC professional, including annual service, can catch these issues early and ensure your furnace operates efficiently.
When it comes to all your HVAC needs, trust The Heating Ninja for expert service and reliable solutions. Whether you need a furnace repair in Calgary, a system replacement, or routine maintenance, our licensed and insured professionals have the experience, tools, and skills to get the job done right. With services backed by a 100% guarantee, efficiency ratings of up to 98%, and up to a 10-year warranty on replacements, your comfort is our priority. Plus, with free consultations and flexible financing options, staying warm and worry-free has never been easier.
Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference with Calgary’s trusted HVAC experts.
