Why Is My Heater Short Cycling?
While this may sound like a technical issue, it's actually quite common—and often easy to fix. Here are five of the most common reasons for short cycling and what you can do about them:
Dirty Air Filter
One of the most common reasons for short cycling is a dirty air filter. When the air filter is clogged with dust and debris, it restricts airflow and puts stress on the system.
As a result, the system has to work harder to circulate warm air, which can cause it to overheat and turn off prematurely. The solution? Replace your air filter with a clean one every 1-3 months. Replacing your filters should be part of your system routine heating maintenance Mustang OK.
Low Refrigerant Level
If your heater uses refrigerant (as many do), a low refrigerant level can also cause short cycling. When there's not enough refrigerant in the system, it can't absorb heat as efficiently, which means the system has to work harder—and run for shorter periods of time—to heat your space.
If you suspect your refrigerant levels are low, call a professional for an inspection or heating maintenance Mustang OK and possible recharge.
Thermostat Issues
Another possible culprit? Your thermostat. If it's not placed in an ideal location or if it's not calibrated properly, it may be sending inaccurate readings to your heater. As a result, your heater may turn on when it doesn't need to or turn off prematurely.
To avoid this issue, make sure your thermostat is placed away from heat sources (like windows) and check the batteries regularly. You should also have it professionally calibrated every 1-2 years.
Furnace Size
In some cases, short cycling may be due to an incorrectly sized furnace. If your furnace is too small for your home or business, it will have to cycle more frequently to heat the space—which can lead to premature wear and tear.
On the other hand, if your furnace is too large for the space, it will turn on and off less frequently but will still put unnecessary strain on the system. The best way to avoid this issue? Work with a professional HVAC contractor to determine the right size for your needs.
Ductwork Issues
Finally, ductwork issues could also be to blame for short cycling.
If there are leaks in your ductwork, warm air can escape before it has a chance to reach your living space. This causes your furnace to run longer than necessary in an effort to make up for the lost heat, which can lead to short cycling.
To avoid this issue, have your ductwork inspected and sealed by a professional every few years, and don’t forget about scheduling heating maintenance Mustang OK.
If you've noticed your heater turning on and off more frequently than usual, chances are you're experiencing "short cycling." While this may sound like a technical issue, it's actually quite common—and often easy to fix.
In most cases, short cycling is caused by a dirty air filter, low refrigerant level, incorrect thermostat settings, an incorrectly sized furnace, or ductwork issues. By troubleshooting these common issues, you can get your heater back up and running smoothly in no time!
Contact Triple Play Home Services for Expert Heating Maintenance in Mustang, OK!
When it comes to your home’s comfort, you want to make sure that everything is running smoothly—especially during the colder months. That’s why it’s important to have a heating system that you can rely on.
If you live in Mustang, OK, then you know that the winters can be pretty harsh. That’s why it’s important to have a heating system that is properly maintained. And that’s where Triple Play Home Services comes in.
They are an HVAC company that specializes in heating maintenance, installation, and repair. Call them at 405-283-3977 to schedule your service!