Short cycling is one of the most common (and most overlooked) furnace problems homeowners face in winter. It happens when your furnace turns on, runs for a short period, shuts off, and then repeats the cycle again and again. While it might not seem like a major issue at first—after all, the heat is still coming on—short cycling can lead to higher energy bills, uneven comfort, and serious wear on your heating system.
Remember, furnace maintenance in Lake Country, BC can help to alleviate this problem before it becomes bad. But if you’re noticing short cycling, you should schedule repairs immediately.
How to Tell If Your Furnace Is Short Cycling
A properly working furnace should run long enough to warm your home to the thermostat’s set temperature, then shut off and remain off for a while. If yours is short cycling, you may notice:
- The furnace turns on and off every few minutes
- Your home never feels consistently warm
- Some rooms stay cold while others get hot
- You hear frequent ignition clicks or blower starts
- Your energy bill jumps unexpectedly
- The furnace seems to “try” to run, but shuts down quickly
Why Short Cycling Is Bad for Your Furnace (and Your Wallet)
Short cycling forces your furnace to restart more often than it was designed to. That frequent starting and stopping places extra strain on key components such as the igniter, blower motor, and heat exchanger. Over time, those parts can wear out faster—leading to breakdowns and costly repairs.
It can also drive up energy costs. Furnaces use the most energy during startup, so repeated cycles can mean you’re paying more without getting the full heating benefit. Plus, your system may never run long enough to reach peak efficiency, so you lose the advantage of a well-tuned, properly sized unit.
Common Causes of Furnace Short Cycling
Short cycling can happen for several reasons, and some of the most common include:
- A clogged air filter: Restricted airflow can cause the furnace to overheat and shut off as a safety measure.
- Thermostat issues: A thermostat placed near a heat source or a malfunctioning thermostat can signal the furnace to shut down too soon.
- Blocked vents or duct problems: Poor airflow from closed vents, duct leaks, or blockages can disrupt operation.
- Oversized furnace: If your furnace is too large for your home, it may heat the space too quickly and shut off before completing a proper cycle.
- Flame sensor or limit switch problems: These safety components can cause repeated shutdowns if they’re dirty or failing.
- Vent or combustion issues: A furnace that can’t vent properly may shut down frequently for safety.
Repair or Maintenance?
If you detect any of the signs of a malfunctioning furnace, then you should call our team for repairs. A technician can quickly diagnose the problem and get to work. However, if you’re just noticing a clogged air filter and that your system doesn’t work as efficiently or effectively as it used to, it might need a tune-up.
For both repairs and maintenance, you can schedule appointments with our team online or over the phone so we can get your home feeling comfortable and running efficiently!
Are you truly comfortable? Schedule an appointment with Comfort Tech Heating & Cooling.