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

Your furnace keeps your house cozy during the frigid winter months, so it’s disconcerting when something is off. One frequent issue is a furnace that continually turns on and turns off again. This problem is called short cycling. It stresses your furnace and may result in expensive repairs or even earlier than normal breakdowns. 

Short cycling can happen for a few reasons. Before you request furnace repair, research the possible causes and how to resolve the situation. 

1. Dirty Air Filter 

The HVAC filter catches airborne dust, hair and other substances that could wreak havoc on furnace. If you don’t replace the filter often enough, it can get clogged and decrease the airflow. When this occurs, a safety mechanism switches off the furnace to avoid overheating. Inspect the filter, and if it’s dirty, install 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 blocked air vents. For proper system balance and performance, keep all registers open, even in unoccupied rooms. 

3. Dirty Blower Wheel 

The furnace blower has blades that move air through the ductwork. If they are dirty, the air won’t move correctly, leading to overheating and short cycling. Frequently replacing 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. Ensure the thermostat is in heating mode and auto fan with the desired temperature showing on the screen. Try changing the batteries. Also, check whether the thermostat is in full sunlight or near a heat source that could affect the temperature reading. If you use a smart thermostat, go to the manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting instructions. 

5. Sooty Flame Sensor 

The flame sensor switches off the gas valve when no burner flame going. The sensor can’t find the flame if it’s coated in soot, so the gas switches off sooner and the furnace shuts off. Leave the work of fixing a dirty flame sensor to an Expert like Comfort Masters 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, leading to uncomfortable temperature changes and short cycling. The only way to resolve this situation 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 Comfort Masters Service Experts. We’ll review the situation, pinpoint the cause, and provide the necessary work. Our priority is to bring back indoor comfort, energy efficiency and dependable furnace performance for all season long. And our services are backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about furnace short cycling, or to request HVAC repair, reach us at 847-250-6729 now! 

— 

*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. 

Savings For You

See All Offers Here >

$50 OFF Any Repair

  • Save $50 on a Paid Service
  • Written 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Plus, ask how to save an additional 15% and waive your trip charge!

$50 OFF HVAC Tune-up Special

There’s no reason to skip your seasonal maintenance that saves energy and helps ensure your air conditioner and heater will work reliably all season long.

  • Regularly $129, now only $79
  • Save up to 30% on energy bills
  • Written Expert Service Guarantee

© 2023 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *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.