Furnace Cycling: Why Does It Do That?

What it is, and how to control it

What is furnace cycling?

Furnace cycling is when your furnace turns on and off frequently for short periods, but doesn’t reach the set temperature on the thermostat. Because it keeps turning on and off, your furnace is likely using more energy in operation. That means higher energy bills for you, and possibly some big repair costs.

It’s best to bring in the trained and experienced service technicians at Frank Lamparelli to identify the root cause of the problem. Here are the likely suspects:

Faulty thermostat

A malfunction in your thermostat can be the culprit. It may be a worn-out wiring, or the battery may need replacing. Another possible cause is where your thermostat is placed. If it’s close to a heat source like a vent or it’s in direct sunlight that can alter the thermostat’s temperature reading, causing cycling.

Busted blower motor

This is rare, but it may happen. Hold your hand near a vent and feel for any air coming out. If there’s no airflow, or it’s really weak, the blower motor may be the cause of the cycling.

Poor airflow

There are several reasons behind air not circulating well in your heating system. Check your air filters (which you should be doing every month). If it’s dirty, change it.

Clogged air filters are a possible cause. A dirty blower wheel is another possibility, and changing the air filter regularly helps with that. Take a walk around your home and see if any vents are closed, or blocked by furniture or other obstructions.

Flame sensor

A flame sensor is just what its name implies. It lets your furnace know that there’s a flame when the gas valve is open. No flame? The sensor shuts off the gas valve to keep gas from getting in your home. If that happens, your furnace shuts down. If the flame sensor has become corroded, or even just dirty, it won’t sense the flame, causing the furnace to shut off.

Want to save money on furnace repairs? Get in touch with us to learn more about our Premium Heat Protection Plan!

Trust Frank Lamparelli for expert furnace installation, maintenance and repair! Contact us today to learn more.