Why Does My Furnace Keep Turning Off?

You may have noticed that your furnace will stop running mere seconds or minutes after it begins a heating cycle. This is generally not enough time to circulate hot air around a home, and it could be a sign that there is a problem with your furnace or other heating components. Here are some common reasons for short-cycling:

The Air Filter Could Be Dirty

A dirty air filter may cause your furnace to get too hot. When this happens, a safety switch will turn the furnace off to ensure that it doesn’t sustain significant damage. The folks at Fritch Heating & Cooling, Inc. in Peoria can inspect your furnace to determine the cause of a short cycle.

If necessary, a service technician can change an air filter or take other steps to fix a short-cycle issue. In some cases, this may include installing a new furnace, thermostat, or heat pump.

The Furnace Could Be Too Large for the Home

Larger furnaces tend to be able to heat homes more quickly. However, if your home gets warm too fast, the furnace could shut down before it gets through an entire heating cycle.

If the furnace shuts down, the home may get cold relatively quickly as well. This creates a scenario where your heating system is stopping and starting more than it should, which can lead to significant damage.

A Faulty Sensor Could Be to Blame

There is a chance that a faulty sensor or loose connection could be telling the furnace to turn off before it is supposed to. If a pilot light is out or malfunctioning, it could cause issues with this component. Having a professional fix this furnace issue will ensure that it is done both correctly and safely.

If you’re in need of heating service, give Fritch Heating & Cooling, Inc. a call right away! We can also help you repair a cooling system, do indoor air quality assessments, or install ductless systems in your home.