When the frigid winter weather rushes in, you want your home or business to be warm and cozy. A properly working furnace can provide that comfort. Unfortunately, if the unit is constantly turning off and on, air distribution is sporadic and uneven. The following is a guide on why this malfunction—short cycling—occurs and when you need professional furnace repairs.

What Is Short Cycling?

The condition occurs when your furnace turns on and off and constantly repeats the pattern. There is no consistency on how long the unit remains active and inactive. The problem with this unpredictable activity is that it doesn’t allow for the proper distribution of warm air. Your home or business may feel drafty and uncomfortable during cold weather, and short cycling could cause significant damage to the unit.

What Causes Short Cycling?

Furnace repair technicians say that one of the leading causes of short cycling is a problematic thermostat. If the device is broken or has old or damaged components, it sends signals to the furnace that the temperature has been set. When the unit receives the established setting, it automatically turns off. An inconsistent temperature reading can then cause the furnace to turn back on again.

Another trigger for short cycling is if the furnace has overheated. Specifically, if the unit’s heat exchanger—the component that provides warm air—overheats, the furnace shuts down. This is a safety response to keep the unit from any further damage. The problem is that the unit turns back on after the heat exchanger cools down, and the cycle repeats.

Short cycling can also occur if a furnace is improperly installed. If the unit is too large for its intended space, it causes uneven air distribution. This inconsistency leads to the furnace repeatedly shutting off and on. Regardless of the size of the unit, if air vents in the home or building are obstructed or closed, it can trigger this phenomenon. The heat exchanger is unable to channel adequate heat, which can lead to a furnace shutdown.

As winter approaches, now is the time to get your furnace ready so that short cycling doesn’t occur. Contact the furnace repair professionals at Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning in Akron, OH, for expert service. The team of licensed HVAC contractors has extensive experience working on a wide range of makes and models. Schedule an inspection today by calling (330) 644-7811. Go online for additional information on furnace installation and maintenance.