Your furnace is one of the most important systems in your home, and, with proper maintenance, can keep you and your family warm and cozy for many years. However, one indicator that there’s something amiss with the HVAC system in your home is a furnace that turns on and off frequently.
Four Reasons That Your Furnace Turns On and Off
A furnace that cycles on and off frequently is a furnace that’s trying to tell you something: “Fix Me!” Although we recommend that you have a professional diagnose the issues with your heating and cooling system, furnaces that turn on and off often have one or more of the following problems:
1. Dirty air filter
Your furnace draws air in, heats it, and then expels it to the rest of the home. Over time, dirt and debris in the air of your home collect in the air filter of the furnace, which, in turn, means the furnace has to work that much harder to pull in enough air to heat the house. If your furnace is turning off and on, it could be overheating due to a dirty air filter. Simply pull out the furnace’s air filter and inspect it. If it’s still clear enough to let light through, t’s still good to go, but if it’s full of dust and opaque, you’ll need a replacement filter.
2. Faulty thermostat
Another common reason for furnaces to turn off and on frequently may be a problem with the thermostat. Either it’s placed in the wrong part of the house or you may need to replace the battery.
A thermostat that’s too near another heat source, such as direct sunlight or by a fireplace or stove may give an incorrect reading to the main unit, which can cause it to shut the furnace off too early. Moving the thermostat to an area of the house that’s in a more temperate place can reduce this complication. Or, you may simply need to change the batteries of the thermostat. If it’s not battery-powered, then there could be problems with the writing, which takes an HVAC professional to repair.
3. Clogged ductworks
Clogged ductwork can quickly lead to problems with the furnace cycling on and off. The debris in the ducts gets into the main unit, causing it to work harder than it needs to. Having your ductwork professionally cleaned once or twice a year can prevent this and also extend the life of your furnace.
4. Improperly sized furnace
The wrong sized furnace – either too big or too small – will also cause problems with the heating of your home. A furnace that’s too small isn’t going to efficiently heat your home, while one that’s too big cycles off fast, and can overheat your home. Unfortunately in these cases, the only way to fix it is to replace the furnace entirely. A professional can recommend the right brand and size for your needs.
Do You Have Other Home Comfort Concerns?
HVAC Industries is a team of professional HVAC repair techs, certified to work on many major brands, from installation to repair and replacement. We’ve worked with clients just like you to ensure that furnaces are working properly and well-maintained. If you have other heating and cooling needs, give us a call.
