Why Does My Furnace Turn On and Off So Much in Sandy Springs, GA?

Under normal circumstances, your furnace cycles two to three times per hour and turns off after indoor temperatures have reached the point specified on your thermostat. Short cycling is when your furnace turns on and off too frequently without completing a full cycle. Here are a few reasons Sandy Springs, GA homeowners might be dealing with furnace short cycling.

Age

An aged furnace might short cycle because its components might be old, worn or prone to overheating, which would cause the entire unit to shut down before the completion of a heating cycle. A gas furnace can last reliably for 15-20 years, while an electric one can fire away for as many as 20-30 years. Keeping these estimates in mind, you should plan to install a new furnace when approaching that threshold.

Dirty Filters

Smooth airflow is essential to almost every aspect of a furnace’s functioning, but when your unit’s filters are old or clogged with dirt and debris, they may prevent air from flowing through the system as it should. This weak airflow can cause the furnace to overheat, which might trigger short cycling. Remember to change your filters once every 60 to 90 days to help prevent this.

Blower Issues

The blower is what is actually responsible for pushing warm air through and out of your unit. If the blower malfunctions, the furnace’s fan blades won’t spin, and air won’t move around, causing overheating.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

When a thermostat does not send accurate signals to your furnace, it will affect when it turns on and shuts off. This could be due to faulty wiring or a calibration issue.

Short cycling can become a serious issue if not addressed early on. It can increase energy usage and cause additional wear and tear on your furnace. Call Comfort Atlanta Heating & Air for quality furnace repair services near Sandy Springs, GA.

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