A furnace that isn’t working correctly is always cause for concern. When there is an issue during the winter months, it has to be dealt with right away to avoid any serious problems. Most people don’t think about their furnaces until a problem arises. Preventive maintenance is highly recommended. Prior to the onset of cold weather, give Centerville Heating & Cooling a call. We will send one of our HVAC technicians to your home to conduct a complete inspection and thorough cleaning of your entire HVAC system to ensure that it in perfect working order and that it will provide you and your family with a warm, comfortable home throughout the cold-weather season.
There Is Something Wrong With Your Furnace
When your furnace runs briefly, shuts off, and starts up again repeatedly, this is called “short cycling.” When your furnace short-cycles, this means that it isn’t completing its full cycle of operation, which indicates that there is a problem somewhere.
Reasons Why Your Furnace Runs Nonstop
Thermostat Is Set Higher Than Usual
It is easy to overlook this because it’s such a simple fix and the most common reason for a furnace to short cycle. If someone increases the temperature setting on your thermostat, this will cause your furnace to run more than usual. Whenever you notice that your furnace is working overtime, check this possibility first. It will rule out any other, potentially more serious issues. Simply adjust your thermostat to a lower setting and check to see if it begins to run normally again. If it doesn’t, then there is some other issue causing the short-cycling.
Your Furnace’s Air Filter Needs To Be Replaced
When your furnace’s air filter gets full of dirt and debris, air can’t pass through it. This will cause your furnace to short cycle as it tries to heat your home like it is supposed to. When your furnace’s heat exchanger is not receiving adequate airflow because a clogged filter restricts the air supply, which results in the heat exchanger getting too hot. This causes the furnace’s fan to run continuously, blowing cold air into your home until the heat exchanger cools down. This is a simple issue to fix, and easy to avoid by checking and replacing your air filter before the onset of the cold-weather season. If you are having problems with your furnace short-cycling, take a look at the air filter. If it is clogged with dirt, replace it. This may correct the problem. Mark your calendar and check the filter in your furnace once per month throughout the time your system is in heavy use and change it at least once during the winter season.
The Thermostat Fan Setting Is Set To ‘On’
On your thermostat, you will see a switch that has two settings: ‘Auto’ and ‘On.’ This switch controls the furnace’s fan. If the switch is in the ‘On’ position, your furnace’s blower will run continuously. This serves no purpose, and it isn’t good for your HVAC system. Your system can become overworked and get overheated, possibly damaging your system. Change the fan setting to ‘Auto’ so that it will only run to blow warm air from the furnace into your home.
There’s A Problem With The Fan Limit Switch
If the fan limit switch on your furnace has become worn out or if the electrical wiring isn’t working properly, this can also cause your furnace to short cycle. The fan limit switch can be found beneath the hood of your furnace. It controls the blower in your furnace. Inside the fan limit switch is a probe-like device that turns on the fan if the burner assembly gets overheated. When the burner assembly cools down, the switch turns the fan off. If either of these devices becomes damaged or stops working correctly, the furnace fan will run without stopping. A trained HVAC professional will inspect your furnace to determine what the problem is and make the necessary repairs right away.
Your Furnace’s Pilot Light Has Been Extinguished
If your furnace is short cycling and the air coming through the vents into your home is cold, then the furnace’s pilot light may have been extinguished. This will cause your furnace to run continuously, trying to heat your home adequately. If you know how and are comfortable doing so, you can re-light the flame yourself. If you would rather let the professionals handle it, you can always call us and we will be glad to have an HVAC technician do it for you.
Still Need Help With Your Furnace?
If your furnace is running virtually nonstop, give Centerville Heating & Cooling a call at 937-353-1169 or visit us online at https://www.centervilleheatandcooling.com/appointments/. We will schedule an appointment for you up immediately with one of our expert HVAC specialists, who will locate the problem and have it repaired in no time. We’re here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to meet all of your HVAC needs and answer any questions you may have.
