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How to Fix a Furnace That Short Cycles and Has No Error Code
The continuous cycling of a furnace is a troubling sound for any homeowner. After all, if your furnace is constantly turning on and off, you’re probably going to have a tough time keeping your home warm. Unfortunately, the short-cycling process can be difficult to troubleshoot because the problem may stem from one of several different issues. However, most short-cycling cases are caused by one of three things: an inadequate supply of combustion air, improper gas pressure, or insufficient excess flow (AFUE) in the heat exchanger. Still, these are broad statements that don’t help you figure out what exactly is going wrong with your furnace. Fortunately, we’ve outlined some helpful tips below!
Check Your Furnace’s Supply of Combustion Air
If your furnace is short cycling due to an inadequate supply of combustion air, you’ll notice a few specific signs. The main signs of an insufficient supply of combustion air include black or grey soot around the burners or igniters, a noticeable decrease in burner flame brightness, and/or a decrease in the volume of gas being used. If you notice these signs, your furnace is likely short cycling due to an inadequate supply of combustion air. This usually happens when there’s a blockage in the intake of the furnace, which can be corrected with a thorough cleaning. It’s also possible that your furnace’s gas pressure is too low. If this is the case, you may notice the furnace’s burners or igniters flickering or see a noticeable decrease in flame brightness. If your furnace’s gas pressure is too low, call your local HVAC professional to remedy the situation. If your furnace is short cycling due to an inadequate AFUE, you’ll likely notice a dramatic decrease in your furnace’s BTU rating. If your furnace is short cycling due to an inadequate AFUE, you’ll need to replace your furnace.
Double-Check Your Furnace’s Gas Pressure
If your furnace is short cycling due to an inadequate flow rate, you’ll notice the furnace’s burners or igniters flicker and/or a decrease in flame brightness. If this is the case, your furnace is likely short cycling due to a low flow rate in the gas line. In this case, your furnace is short cycling due to a low flow rate in the gas line. You’ll need to call your local HVAC professional to remedy the situation. If your furnace is short cycling due to an inadequate pressure in the gas line, you may notice an increase in the frequency of flickering in the burners or a decrease in flame brightness. If this is the case, you likely need to have your gas pressure increased.
Your Furnace is Short Cycling Due to Inadequate AFUE
If your furnace is short cycling due to an inadequate AFUE, you’ll notice a dramatic drop in the furnace’s BTU rating. In this case, your furnace is short cycling due to an inadequate AFUE. If your furnace is short cycling due to an inadequate AFUE, you’ll need to replace your furnace. You may need to replace your HVAC system if it’s difficult to repair. Good News! We can help you find a new, dependable HVAC system. We’ve created a free tool that can help you find a new HVAC system based on your specific needs and situation. In just a couple of minutes, you can get matched with HVAC contractors in your area. You can even read reviews from other homeowners who have worked with these contractors before. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your phone and let’s get you matched with a new HVAC system!
You May Have a Broken Thermostat or Bad Climate Control Sensor
If your furnace is short cycling due to a bad climate control sensor or broken thermostat, you’ll notice an increase in the frequency of flickering in the burners or a decrease in flame brightness. If this is the case, you’ll need to repair or replace your thermostat or climate control sensor. In some cases, a bad climate control sensor or thermostat may cause your furnace to short cycle due to a low flow rate in the gas line. If this is the case, you may notice a decrease in the volume of gas being used by the furnace. If your furnace is short cycling due to a low flow rate in the gas line, you’ll need to have your furnace’s gas pressure increased.
You May Have Dust Buildup in the Heat Exchanger or Coil
If your furnace is short cycling due to dust buildup in the heat exchanger or coil, you’ll likely notice a dramatic drop in the furnace’s BTU rating. In this case, your furnace is short cycling due to dust buildup in the heat exchanger or coil. If your furnace is short cycling due to dust buildup in the heat exchanger or coil, you’ll need to have the unit professionally cleaned. Your furnace may be short cycling due to a low flow rate in the gas line or insufficient combustion air. If this is the case, you may notice a decrease in the volume of gas being used by the furnace. If your furnace is short cycling due to a low flow rate in the gas line or insufficient combustion air, you’ll need to have your furnace’s gas pressure increased or it’s the supply of combustion air increased.
Conclusion
The continuous cycling of a furnace is a troubling sound for any homeowner. After all, if your furnace is constantly turning on and off, you’re probably going to have a tough time keeping your home warm. Unfortunately, the short-cycling process can be difficult to troubleshoot because the problem may stem from one of several different issues. However, most short-cycling cases are caused by one of three things: an inadequate supply of combustion air, improper gas pressure, or insufficient excess flow (AFUE) in the heat exchanger. Thankfully, we’ve outlined some helpful tips below! If you’re having trouble troubleshooting your furnace, don’t hesitate to contact a professional HVAC technician.
