Furnace short cycling by Treat’s Heating & Cooling

If your gas furnace is turning on and off too frequently, there are a few things you can check before calling Treat’s Heating & Cooling for service.  The process of your equipment turning off and on is referred to as “short cycling”.

If your furnace is short cycling, it can become a problem by keeping your furnace from providing comfort levels in your home.   Short cycling can result from a number of issues.  A systems sizing could be the root of your problem but if your unit has been working fine previously, then it is unlikely sizing is the issue. 

Dirty air filters can contribute to the frequent on and off activity.  You should always check your filter to be sure that it’s not filled with dirt and the airflow is not restricted.  Replace your dirty air filter and then try running your furnace again.

If the filter doesn’t solve the issue, check your thermostat settings and battery.  A bad battery could affect operation of your unit causing the call for heat to be interrupted.  A bad thermostat can also contribute to short cycling.

Rebooting your system is also a way to troubleshoot this issue.  You can lower the thermostat below room temperature, cancelling the need for heat.  Disconnect electricity by shutting off the switch at the fuse box or unplugging it.  After about 3 minutes, if this doesn’t work call Treat’s Heating & Cooling for a service appointment.

Call Treat’s Heating & Cooling at 360.825.0800 and we will send a professional to your home to diagnose your equipment.

The Auburn, WA furnace experts at Treat’s Heating & Cooling offer high quality installation, repair, maintenance, and other heating and air conditioning services throughout Western Washington including Enumclaw, Buckley, Bonney Lake, Sumner, Puyallup, Tacoma, Auburn, Black Diamond, Covington, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Kent, & Seattle WA.