Furnace Won't Stay On? Here Are Some Causes and Solutions
By:
The AC Guy
| Published 03/11/2024
One minute your furnace is pumping out hot air, the next it shuts off completely. Sound familiar? Short cycling is no fun when all you want is a warm home. But don't panic yet! Learning what causes furnace to short cycle can help you get to the bottom of the issue.
This article will cover the common culprits behind heaters that won't stay on and provide some troubleshooting tips to get your system back in working order. We'll look at aspects like dirty filters, faulty thermostats, and pressure switch problems. Keep reading and you'll be back to cozy and warm in no time!
Why Does My Furnace Keep Turning Off? Understanding Short Cycling
If your furnace turns on for a few minutes but then shuts off again, you likely have a case of furnace short cycling on your hands. Short cycling occurs when your furnace kicks on and off in quick succession, preventing your home from reaching the desired temperature. There are a few possible causes for this frustrating issue.
Faulty Thermostat: Your thermostat is responsible for telling your furnace when to turn on and off. If it's malfunctioning, it may trigger your furnace to cycle incorrectly. It's a good idea to check if your thermostat settings are correct and consider replacing the thermostat if issues continue.
Air Leaks or Poor Insulation: If air is escaping from your home, your furnace has to work harder to heat the space. Sealing up cracks and adding extra insulation can help.
Ignition or Pilot Light Problems: Issues with your furnace's ignition system or pilot light can cause the furnace to turn off shortly after starting up. It's best to have an HVAC technician inspect your furnace to diagnose and repair the problem.
Clogged Filters or Vents: Dirty air filters and vents prevent efficient airflow and operation. Replacing or cleaning them may solve your short cycling woes.
If short cycling continues after trying some basic inspection, it's best to call in the pros. Our HVAC technicians from The AC Guy can fully assess your furnace, determine the underlying cause of the issue, and perform necessary repairs to get your furnace working properly again and your home back to a comfortable temperature.
Top Causes of Furnace Short Cycling Problems
Short cycling can be annoying, but the good news is there are a few common causes that are often easy to fix. The first thing to check is your thermostat. If it's malfunctioning or not properly calibrated, it could be telling your furnace to cycle on and off when it shouldn't. Try bumping up the temperature a few degrees to see if that helps. If not, it may be time for a thermostat replacement.
Dirty air filters are another frequent culprit. Clogged filters prevent efficient airflow, causing your furnace to overheat and shut off as a safety precaution. Replace your filters once a month to keep your furnace working properly. Try replacing the air filters and see if that helps the furnace issue.
An oversized furnace for your home can also lead to short cycling. If your furnace has too much power, it will heat your home too quickly and then shut off, only to turn back on again soon after. You may need a smaller, properly sized furnace to remedy this.
If your furnace vents or chimney are blocked, the hot exhaust gasses can't escape. This triggers your furnace to shut off to avoid overheating or carbon monoxide buildup. Have your HVAC technician inspect and clean your furnace vents and chimney.
With a few easy checks and fixes, you can get your furnace cycling properly again in no time. But if problems persist, it's best to call in the pros at The AC Guy to diagnose and repair the issue, ensuring safe, efficient, and comfortable heating for your home.
How to Fix Short Cycling Furnace: Solutions for Short Cycling Issues
If your furnace won't stay on and keeps cycling on and off, it's usually due to one of a few common issues mentioned in this article. If you’ve tried the troubleshooting solutions and your furnace still won't run properly, it's best to call a technician. More complex issues like a failing igniter, pilot light problems, or wiring issues require an expert to diagnose and repair. It's not worth risking damage to your furnace or risking your safety by attempting DIY repairs beyond basic troubleshooting.
At The AC Guy, we have the training and experience to correctly diagnose why your furnace is short cycling and make the necessary repairs to get your system running smoothly again. Call The AC Guy today for skilled short-cycling repairs performed by qualified technicians who care about your safety, comfort, and energy efficiency.
