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Furnace: What Does Short Cycling Mean?

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Furnace: What Does Short Cycling Mean?

Posted On: December 30, 2024

Furnace: What Does Short Cycling Mean?

Short cycling is a term used to describe a situation where your furnace turns on and off repeatedly without completing a full heating cycle. This inefficient operation not only compromises the comfort of your home but can also lead to higher energy bills and unnecessary wear and tear on your furnace.


Common Causes of Furnace Short Cycling:

  1. Dirty Air Filters
    A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety precaution. Replacing the air filter regularly can prevent this issue.


  2. Thermostat Issues
    If your thermostat is located in an area that heats up quickly, such as near a heat source or in direct sunlight, it can signal the furnace to shut off prematurely. Incorrect thermostat settings or malfunctions can also cause short cycling.


  3. Oversized Furnace
    A furnace that’s too large for your home will heat the space quickly and then shut off, only to restart when the temperature drops. This constant on-and-off cycle is inefficient and can reduce the lifespan of your furnace.


  4. Blocked Vents or Ductwork
    Obstructions in your ductwork or closed vents can disrupt proper airflow, leading to overheating and short cycling.


  5. Faulty Flame Sensor
    A dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor can cause the furnace to shut down as it fails to detect the burner flame. Cleaning or replacing the flame sensor can resolve the issue.


  6. Low Airflow
    Problems with the blower motor, fan, or other components affecting airflow can lead to short cycling. Insufficient airflow causes the furnace to overheat and shut off prematurely.


  7. Improper Gas Pressure
    Incorrect gas pressure can affect the furnace’s combustion process, causing it to turn off before completing a cycle. This issue requires professional attention.


Why Short Cycling Matters

Short cycling not only results in uneven heating and discomfort but also:


  • Increases energy consumption, leading to higher utility bills.
  • Puts excessive strain on furnace components, potentially shortening its lifespan.
  • Raises the risk of furnace breakdowns or costly repairs.

How to Address Furnace Short Cycling

  • Change or Clean Air Filters: Ensure regular maintenance to keep airflow unrestricted.
  • Check Thermostat Placement: Relocate or recalibrate the thermostat if needed.
  • Inspect Ductwork and Vents: Clear any blockages or open closed vents.
  • Professional Maintenance: Schedule regular furnace tune-ups to ensure all components are functioning properly.
  • Consult an HVAC Technician: If the problem persists, a professional can diagnose and repair complex issues like gas pressure irregularities or faulty parts.

If you suspect your furnace is short cycling, addressing the problem promptly can restore comfort to your home and protect your heating system from further damage.



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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by Robert, Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Had new furnace installed and ran into some difficulties but the contractor responded in a timely and efficient manner - after further service calls were made, a reasonable resolution was found.

by Brian Burns, Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

The work was done quickly efficiently neatly and professionally. Pleased with the service, information, product, and the company.

by Geoff, Port Perry on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great sales member named Dave came in told us some amazing items and how they would be priced installed an all. We couldn’t believe it! The next day the ac was installed, that day one employee named Greg told us that our furnace was working way to hard and was causing us to use way too much gas. So two days later they came in an installed a new furnace!

by MB, Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Installation was done quickly and professionally. The new furnace is quiet and provides even heat.

by Richard from Oshawa on Twintech Heating and Cooling

They removed and discarded old furnace. Installed new furnace. Installed air intake pipe, that had never been installed by builder, no charge. Replaced loose hose on floor with hard pipe and rerouted it to drain, no charge. Almost 33% cheaper then quote from Enercare, which was the company we dealt with and had insurance with for 8 years. No yearly fee for cleaning/insurance, saves 300 a year. Courteous, professional, fast, and friendly. My wife and I have been recommending them to everyone we know and meet, and will continue to do so. Thanks for everything, Twintech!!!

by Darcy from Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

This company was great to deal with. Our furnace went down and they installed a new furnace the next day with a lot of professionalism!

by gillian hooton from Uxbridge on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Finally! An honest company with highly knowledgeable and informative staff. Had a furnace service and found multiply errors in our system from an amateur installer. Very fair price to correct problems and will definitely use again.

by dflynn in Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Had to replace the heating & a/c unit in a condo apartment dwelling. this company recommended by the property manager and president of the condo building. found their workmanship and attention to details very good and very thorough. were able to resolve small problems and situations and happy to feel the heat in my unit. it's pricey, but happy was done by a very professional service. thank you.

by alisiena from Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Fantastic team. Completed the job as per the specifications and in under 3 hours. Highly recommended Twintech.

by David from Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

During the summer, I previously hired TwinTech to replace my air conditioner when it failed. They did an excellent job so when I decided to proactively replace the furnace I contacted them. The furnace I had was 22 years old and showed signs of internal leakage. It still worked but rather than wait to have it fail in cold weather, I decided to purchase a higher efficiency model before it failed and take advantage of energy efficiency rebates. TwinTech offered very useful advice on the make and model of furnace to choose including high efficiency and variable speed motor. The price was reasonable, TwinTech arrived at the allotted time, installed the new furnace (including some re-routing of exhaust lines since the existing ones were too close to other vents), removed the old furnace, tested the installation and cleaned everything up. Overall, it was a good experience, they did a great job and the new furnace is working well.

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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by Robert Rogers on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Very pleased with the professional service that TwinTech Heating and Cooling provided in replacing my furnace. I got several quotes from different service providers. Their price was excellent and they explained the features very well. We are very glad we went with TwinTech and highly recommend their services.

by Robert Mizuno on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We were new homeowners in need of a second opinion. TwinTech Heating & Cooling were Amazing and professional. Very knowledgeable and great service all around. Recommend to anyone looking for honest and reliable services. Treated with respect and care. Thank you Greg, Mitch and Bob!

by Ruth on Twintech Heating and Cooling

TwinTech is an excellent and honest company! I called them for a second opinion after being told by another company that I needed to replace my furnace. Turns out this was not the case at all! I did not need a new furnace. TwinTech did not push to make an unnecessary sale and saved me from a huge expense. Bob and Mitch were extremely professional and above all honest! I definitely recommend TwinTech!

by Anna Chin on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Amazing experience with TwinTech Heating & Cooling! Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and efficient from start to finish. They installed my new furnace quickly and left everything spotless. The technicians took the time to explain everything and made sure I was comfortable with the system before they left. Great customer service and fair pricing. I highly recommend them for anyone needing HVAC services!

by Connor Agnew on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great experience all around. Bob was sharp and easy to talk to, and Greg handled the installation perfectly. Would hire them again in a heartbeat.

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