Question about Furnace Short Cycling in Collinsville, IL?
Does your finicky furnace turn on and off, and on and off, and on and off? Called furnace short cycling, this problem can be exhaustively annoying, and it could signal a larger problem with your system. In Collinsville, IL and the greater Metro East, frigid winters can exacerbate the problem to the point that your furnace is turning on and off every minute or so. The good news is you don’t have to put up with furnace short cycling. The bad news is there could multiple problems causing this. Luckily, your local heating contractor should have the parts and tools needed to diagnose and solve furnace short cycling problems. Here’s some more information about this problem to help point you in the right direction.
What is Furnace Short Cycling?
Furnace short cycling is a problem that occurs in furnace units all over and may get worse as the weather gets colder. This term simply refers to a furnace that turns on and off quickly. When the weather gets cold, it’s normal for the furnace to turn on a few times per hour. However, your furnace shouldn’t be shutting on and off at intervals of a minute or too – this denotes a problem. While this problem could have a few simple fixes, you’re more likely to need to call for furnace repairs. Read on for more about the causes of this problem.
Short Cycling Causes
Short Cycling could be caused by multiple things, making it difficult for you to tell just how to attack it. First, however, you should check the obvious problems and move on to calling your local heating specialist when you find yourself out of answers. Here are a few problems that may cause furnace short cycling:
- Air Filters – Severely dirty air filters may cause this issue because they restrict the airflow to your system. Replace the filter and set a reminder to do this regularly.
- Blocked Vents & Registers – This is another easy fix you can try. Make sure that nothing (furniture or décor) is sitting on top of or in front of your air vents. This restricted airflow could also cause this problem.
- Heat Exchanger Obstruction – When the coils inside the heat exchanger are blocked by dust or other debris, the restriction of airflow could cause the short cycling you’re experiencing.
- Thermostat – If the thermostat has shorted out or is set to the wrong settings, you could experience some short cycling.
- Safety Switches – Most systems are built with safety switches that will shut the system off if the temperature reaches a certain heat or the pilot light extinguishes. A problem with the safety switches on your system could be the problem you’re looking for.
Short Cycling Solutions
Tackling this problem by yourself may not be the best option. Of course, you should check your furnace filter and air vents to ensure they aren’t blocked. However, the rest of these problems are best left to a professional. Luckily, Collinsville IL residents can call Morrison Plumbing, Heating & Cooling’ for 24-hour repairs that keep the heat on all season long!
