A bad thermostat can be a common cause of furnace short cycling, leading to inefficiency and discomfort in your home. When your thermostat malfunctions, it can send incorrect signals to your furnace, causing it to turn on and off repeatedly without completing a full heating cycle.
The term furnace short cycling refers to the process of turning on and off your heating system without achieving the thermostat’s required temperature. Short cycling may also cause you to acknowledge that your home isn’t as hot as it should be, leaving you and your family members cold and unhappy, and you might have to call experts for furnace service near me frequently.
A properly functioning furnace will turn on when the temperature in your residence falls below the desired temperature on the thermostat. The furnace will then heat your home until the accurate temperature gets achieved, at which point it will turn off.
How Can A Bad Thermostat Cause A Short Cycle?
Mentioned here are some reasons that cause short cycling in a furnace.
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Fire Sensors Degradation
When your furnace burns a gas, it produces small amounts of water during the combustion process. Metals can oxidize and rust as a result of this over time. As a result, corrosion causes frequent short cycling of your heater, which can be dangerous to your home’s security. You should disinfect and investigate your flame sensor to avoid this problem.
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Overloading
Your furnace may overheat and close down if temperature-monitoring components are defective. One of the most likely reasons for short cycling is regular combustion. The majority of modern furnaces will have a temperature-controlling safety device built-in.
Short cycling can also happen due to a faulty heating element. In the worst-case scenario, a ruptured heat exchanger will leak hot air into other heater components.
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Filters For Polluted Air
A clogged air filter, for example, can cause your furnace to short cycle. Polluted air filters obstruct airflow, resulting in a backup. It means that rather than being distributed throughout your home, hot air will continue to stay in the furnace.
Your furnace’s inner temperature will increase, causing your system to shut down. That’s when the furnace will cycle too much. Also, to avoid this, try to replace your furnace air filters at the beginning of each filter cycle.
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The furnace is Too Large For Your Place
Your furnace might be too large for your house. If your heating system is extra large, it will heat your system quickly and inconsistently. Your furnace will begin to short cycle to maintain a steady temperature all across your home.
When it comes to an enlarged furnace, inadequate insulation is also a determinant in short cycling. Because larger furnaces produce more heat, the excess heat and energy will flee through gaps, cracks, and defective seals.
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Thermostat
A defective or bad thermostat could be the source of short cycling. If your heater is short-cycling, the first and simplest thing you should rush to do is evaluate your thermostat to see if it is working accurately.
A homeowner may frequently forget to change their thermostat to the heating mode. As a result, the device’s cycle time will be reduced.
Thermostat Replacement in Texas
If you were wondering, “Can A Bad Thermostat Cause A Furnace To Short Cycle?” before reading this guide, now you know the answer. At Air United Mechanical LCC, we install the most advanced and user-friendly thermostats on the market. Click the link to learn more about our local HVAC services in your home, and call (281) 719-0722 to schedule an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions – Understanding Thermostats
1. What is the average lifespan of a thermostat?
Most thermostats last 10–15 years. Manual thermostats can last up to 35 years, while smart thermostats have shorter lifespans, often under 10 years, due to advancing technology.
2. What are the types of thermostats?
- Digital Thermostats: Include programmable and smart models for automated or app-based control.
- Manual Thermostats: Simple, durable models requiring manual adjustments.
3. How do manual and digital thermostats differ?
Manual thermostats are basic and durable but lack programming features. Digital thermostats offer advanced options, like scheduling and remote access, for greater convenience and energy efficiency.