Furnaces are the quiet champions in our homes, keeping us warm and comfortable during the colder months. But if your heating system is shutting off unexpectedly, or even refusing to start, it’s time to take a closer look.
Below, let’s troubleshoot some of the most common reasons your furnace may be shutting on and off (also called short cycling), what’s causing them, and what type of furnace repair in Edmonton is needed. Read on with the Weiss-Johnson team to learn more.
What Does Furnace Short Cycling Mean?
Furnaces operate in a carefully controlled sequence. Each stage must be verified to ensure safety, protect equipment, and maintain efficient airflow. But if there’s a hiccup anywhere in the system, the furnace will cycle more frequently than it should, or simply fail to turn on. This is commonly referred to as furnace short cycling.
Experiencing other out-of-the-ordinary sounds? Read our guide to common furnace noises and what they mean.
Common Causes of Furnace Short Cycling
Failing Ignition or Safety Switch
Once the thermostat detects that the home has gotten to a low enough temperature, it triggers the next steps.But if the igniter is worn out or the safety switch is faulty, the furnace will shut down before the sequence can finish. A safety switch that trips early, often from restricted airflow, will also cut the burner short as a safety measure. A technician can test the igniter and switches in a single visit, which is the fastest way to pin down which part is cutting the cycle short.
The Flame Sensor Is Dirty
If your furnace is working past the ignition stage but shuts down shortly afterward, the issue may be a dirty flame sensor. A fouled flame sensor is one of the most common reasons for a short-cycling furnace, but fortunately, it’s often a quick fix that homeowners can handle themselves without a professional furnace repair in Edmonton.
Step 1: Turn off the power to the furnace
Step 2: Open the access panel
Step 3: Locate the flame sensor near the burner assembly. It will have one wire coming from it, attached to a white base.
Step 4: Disconnect this wire and remove the screw to reveal the flame sensor
Step 5: Use steel wool to gently clean the metal rod
That’s all there is to it! Once the flame sensor is safely reinstalled, your furnace can be turned on once again. If your furnace continues to run poorly, call in a pro for a furnace repair in Edmonton.
The Thermostat Is Faulty
Sometimes the furnace itself is fine, but the thermostat is sending mixed signals. A thermostat that’s located near a heat source, such as a sunny window, may read the room as warmer than it is and shut the furnace off prematurely. Dead batteries, loose wiring, or an aging unit can also cause similar issues. Try a quick change of fresh batteries first, but if cycling continues, a technician can take a deeper look.
Dirty Filters
If your furnace system runs for several minutes at a time but shuts off soon after, the culprit may be a dirty filter. Because both air conditioners and furnaces use the same filter year-round, this part of the furnace often flies under the radar. But, like a few of the other issues on this list, replacing a dirty air filter is a simple fix that homeowners can (and should!) perform. While it varies by case, furnace air filters should typically be replaced every 1 to 3 months.
Reliable Furnace Repair In Edmonton
Is your Edmonton furnace short cycling? If so, it deserves professional care that you can count on. Why not go with Edmonton’s time-tested experts since 1977? Weiss-Johnson is your reliable expert for all things heating, cooling, ventilation, and plumbing. Get your free estimate today, and see firsthand why we’ve served over 100,000 customers—and counting!
