Does the furnace in your Sugar Hill, GA home turn on and off for short periods of time? The furnace is likely short cycling and preventing your home from reaching its best temperature. Here are three possible reasons why your furnace has started short-cycling.
1. Malfunctioning Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat can make a furnace turn off or on too soon. A thermostat must get accurate temperature readings. If it’s unable to read the temperature accurately, it can’t give the correct information to the furnace.
If you have a digital thermostat, check its batteries. Replacing the batteries might solve the problem. If the thermostat doesn’t have a battery, contact an HVAC technician to check the thermostat and provide maintenance.
Another possibility is your thermostat is in a bad location. Heat sources, such as vents or direct sunlight, can cause a thermostat to prematurely shut down.
2. Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter can cause short cycling by blocking airflow to the heat exchanger. The furnace overheats and triggers its shutdown mechanism. The furnace restarts once it cools, and the cycle starts all over again.
Make sure your furnace always has a clean air filter. Getting a clean filter might stop the furnace from short-cycling. If that doesn’t work, contact an HVAC technician to inspect your system.
3. Leaking Air
Poor insulation and air leaks can allow warm air to flow out of the home. The furnace has to turn on more often to make up for the warm air that escapes. Unless you plug the leaks, the furnace will continue to short cycle.
Air can escape your home in several ways. Windows with poor insulation are a common cause of air leaks. Door frames with cracks or gaps are also a source of air leaks.
Stop Furnace Short-Cycling in Sugar Hill, GA
Short-cycling takes a toll on your furnace. And you’ll need to replace your furnace sooner rather than later. Contact Pruitt Heating & Air, Inc today to discover why your furnace is short-cycling.
