What to Do If Your Furnace Is Over-cycling

During the frigid winter months, a furnace that fails to work properly can be a nightmare. Over-cycling is one of the most common furnace problems that require professional attention. It happens when your furnace starts and stops too frequently, even if it is not supposed to. This issue can lead to higher electricity bills and a shorter furnace lifespan. Here is what you can do if your furnace is over-cycling and when to call a professional.

Check and clean the air filter regularly.

The air filter is one of the most critical components of a furnace. It traps dirt and debris from the air, preventing them from getting into the furnace. If the air filter becomes clogged, it restricts the airflow, which forces the furnace to work harder to heat your home. This exertion can cause it to over-cycle, leading to short cycling.

Check for the thermostat settings.

An incorrect thermostat setting can cause your furnace to over-cycle. Check that your thermostat's settings are correct and it is functioning correctly. Ensure that the thermostat settings are appropriate for the temperature in your home. If you're unsure of how to do this, refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or seek professional assistance.

Inspect your furnace's heat exchanger.

Over-cycling can result from issues with the furnace's heat exchanger. A warped, corroded, or cracked heat exchanger can cause your furnace to shut off prematurely before reaching the thermostat temperature. Therefore, it will continue to try to get to the set temperature, resulting in over-cycling. If you're not confident in inspecting the furnace's heat exchanger, call in a professional HVAC technician to do it for you.

Verify that your thermostat is adequately positioned.

One of the most significant causes of over-cycling is that your thermostat is located in the wrong place in your home. If your thermostat is positioned near a drafty window or outside wall, it will sense the cold temperature there and signal your furnace to work harder than it needs. If this is the case, move the thermostat away or get a zoning system installed for better temperature regulation.

Consult a professional furnace technician.

If your furnace continues over-cycling even after following the tips mentioned above, chances are the issue lies in the furnace itself. In such cases, it's best to call a professional right away to examine your furnace and recommend the required repair or replacement. An experienced technician can quickly identify the issue and perform the necessary repairs to get your furnace up and running efficiently.

To wrap it up, over-cycling your furnace can be a very frustrating problem, especially in the middle of winter. Issues like clogged air filters, incorrect thermostat settings, malfunctioning heat exchangers, or improper thermostat placement can be the cause of the issue. Suppose you can't get the problem resolved with the help of the tips mentioned above. In that case, it's best to call in a professional furnace technician who has the expertise to accurately diagnose and fix the issue at hand. 

If you need repairs urgently, a 24-hour service will be a good resource. Contact a local company to learn more about 24/7 furnace repair services.