6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Shutting Off and How to Fix It 

Your furnace keeps your house comfortable during the frigid winter months, so it’s annoying when something is off. One common issue is a furnace that continually turns on and turns off again. This problem is referred to as short cycling. It stresses your furnace and may result in expensive repairs or even early replacement. 

Short cycling can be the result of for a few reasons. Before you request furnace repair, research the possible causes and how to resolve the issue. 

1. Dirty Air Filter 

The HVAC filter traps airborne dust, hair and other substances that could wreak havoc on furnace. If you don’t replace the filter regularly, it can eventually be clogged and decrease the airflow. When this occurs, a safety device shuts off the furnace to stop getting too hot. Check the filter, and if it’s dirty, get a new one. Going forward, replace the filter every 30 to 90 days to keep your furnace from short cycling. 

2. Obstructed Air Vents 

A dirty filter isn’t the only issue that can restrict airflow and overheat your furnace. Walk around your home and look for shut or obstructed air vents. For adequate system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in unoccupied rooms. 

3. Dirty Blower Wheel 

The furnace blower has blades that distribute air through the ductwork. If they are covered in dirt, the air won’t move correctly, causing overheating and short cycling. Frequently changing the filter is the simplest method to avoid a dirty blower wheel. If the blades are already dirty, request furnace maintenance to have them cleaned. 

4. Faulty Thermostat 

Check your thermostat next. This is the brain of your HVAC system and instructs the furnace on what to do. Make sure the thermostat is on heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature showing on the screen. Try replacing the batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in full sunlight or near a heat source that could affect the temperature reading. If you rely on a smart thermostat, go to the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting tips. 

5. Soot-Covered Flame Sensor 

The flame sensor turns off the gas valve when no burner flame going. The sensor can’t detect the flame if it’s coated in soot, so the gas shuts off sooner and the furnace shuts off. Leave the work of fixing a dirty flame sensor to a pro like Robinson Service Experts. 

6. Oversized Furnace 

When it involves heating and cooling equipment, larger isn’t always best. An oversized system warms up your residence too fast, causing intolerable temperature swings and short cycling. The only way to resolve this issue is to request new furnace installation

If you try the resolutions we mentioned here and nothing has changed, it’s time to contact the professionals at Robinson Service Experts. We’ll review the situation, figure out the cause, and provide the necessary service. Our goal is to bring back indoor comfort, energy efficiency and dependable furnace performance for all season long. And our services are supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about furnace short cycling, or to request HVAC repair, reach us at 847-306-8730 now! 

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*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions. 

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