When winter hits and the environment starts to blow in freezing air, people rely on their furnaces to keep the space toasty and comfortable. Like the rest of its counterparts in an HVAC system, the furnace plays a pivotal role in homes, apartments, office buildings, hospitals, and everything that needs to sustain its occupants’ safety and livability.
Furnaces are built to last for years, but it’s not exempt from damages due to wear-and-tear. When it overexerts its performance, it can result in many seasonal issues, most of which are tricky to spot in its early stages. One of the easier ones to determine is when it’s short-cycling, which forces the furnace to turn off and off repeatedly.
It seems like a minor inconvenience, but the way it generates heat and shuts down can take a toll on the unit, spike your energy bills, and significantly reduce its lifespan. Addressing the problems as soon as possible can help save your furnace, so be on the lookout for the warning signs below:
Sign #1: Malfunctioning Thermostat
If you take a look at the thermostat and see it giving off incorrect readings, fail to respond to your change in settings, or find it difficult to calibrate, then it’s an indication of trouble ahead. A malfunctioning thermostat is a primary culprit behind the short-cycling, mainly since the false signals cause the unit to turn on and off in confusion.
Sign #2: Overheating Furnace
If you forget to change the air filter regularly, the furnace will eventually overheat due to poor air circulation. This can heat the inner components and force the unit to overwork itself, resulting in short-cycling.
In the worst-case scenario, the overheating furnace can even create cracks between the heat exchanger, which can blow in dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into the premises. Once you notice the furnace is getting too hot, it’s best to call a professional HVAC repair company to inspect and repair the unit.
Sign #3: Blocked Heat Grates
Another factor that causes the furnace to overheat is when there is a blockage in the heat grates. This keeps the unit from circulating enough air, causing the furnace to shut down between three to ten minutes before it can get the job done.
Keep in mind that 75 percent of the grates should be open to allow enough air to flow in and out of the grates, so be sure that there is no furniture blocking them.
The Bottom Line: Spotting the Red Flags that Show Your HVAC Furnace is Short-Cycling and What to Do
There’s no doubt that a furnace is a piece of critical equipment that maintains comfortability in residential and commercial properties alike.
Seeing how it keeps the environment warm and liveable for all seasons, addressing any signs of trouble is a must if you don’t want to experience the repercussions that come with a failing furnace.
Issues like short cycling, as mentioned above, can be the death of your furnace. When the unit starts to turn on and off, be sure to put a professional technician on speed dial.
How Can We Help?
Dealing with furnace heater problems can lead to costly consequences when left unattended, so get in touch with us at Air 1 LCC to get your HVAC system in good working order. We’re a reputable full-service heating and air conditioning company in Morris County that can offer quality furnace repair services. From residential to commercial equipment, we can handle it all for you!