One common problem we often hear about from our Modesto customers is that of a furnace running for a few minutes before turning off. This is called short-cycling and it’s a condition caused by a few different furnace issues. Our technicians at Honey's Air & Solar recommend running through this list of three items to troubleshoot a furnace that keeps turning off:
1. Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter is the most common cause of a short cycling heater. This is because the dirt trapped in the air filter restricts the airflow into your furnace. Without reliable air circulation, the furnace’s heat exchanger can overheat, which leads to the entire unit shutting down. Freshen the air filter every 30 days to protect your furnace from overheating and shutting down during use.
2. Thermostat Problem
There are a couple of thermostat issues that can cause your furnace to keep turning off. Improper placement is the biggest concern. When a thermostat is installed close to a heat source, like in direct sunlight or near a heat register, the device thinks your home is warmer than it actually is. This leads to it running for only a few minutes before shutting down. The second issue is a malfunctioning thermostat, which requires professional repairs or replacement. Honey's Air & Solar offers fast, effective repairs for your thermostat and heating system.
3. Wrong Size Furnace
It’s a little known fact that furnaces aren’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, before we install or replace a furnace, we take careful measurements to make sure you receive a unit that fits the size of your home. Improperly sized furnaces run into all kinds of issues, including short cycling. When the furnace is too large for your home, it heats your home too quickly and shuts off. This puts a huge strain on the furnace and eventually leads to the unit breaking down. If you suspect that this is the case for your home, one of our technicians can come out and perform a heat load calculation to see if the unit is oversized or not.
Modesto’s Heating System Specialists
Are you frustrated by a furnace that keeps turning off? Honey's Air & Solar can help troubleshoot the issue and make the repairs your system needs to run smoothly again. Our technicians are as talented as they are versatile; we’re a one-stop-shop for all of your home energy needs, including air conditioning, heating, air quality, solar panel installation and window replacements. Call us today to schedule your Modesto furnace services.
