Is Furnace Short Cycling Dangerous?

Most Boiling Springs homeowners understand that short cycling is detrimental to their furnaces. However, experts describe that many people underestimate the problem’s severity and don't take immediate action to resolve the issue. Is furnace short cycling dangerous enough to pay attention to as soon as you notice it?

Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling explores the dangers of short cycling below as trusted heating maintenance experts in Boiling Springs, SC. They explore what causes the issue and what these short cycling consequences may be for your furnace without timely intervention.

What Is Short Cycling?

Short cycling is when your furnace switches off before completing a full heating cycle. Although the unit will generate some heat, it won’t match the thermostat setting before shutting down, leaving your property cold and uncomfortable. 

The system will continue to short cycle until it destroys the furnace or you fix the unit. So, is furnace short cycling dangerous? Absolutely! 

Short cycling puts immense strain on your unit and drastically increases wear. It can cause the system to give out prematurely. It can even create a health hazard in specific cases.

For example, cracked heat exchangers may cause oil-burning and gas furnaces to short cycle and leak carbon monoxide into your home, putting your family’s health at serious risk. Carbon monoxide is an extremely dangerous odorless gas that can poison people who inhale it. Excessive exposure can even cause death, making it crucial to resolve short cycling on your furnace swiftly.

Three Causes of Furnace Short Cycling

Furnaces short cycle for multiple reasons. Understanding some of the primary causes will help you identify the problem and call local professionals to fix it before it brings you trouble. 

Below are some common causes of furnace short cycling to be aware of:

#1 Dirty Air Filter

Clogged air filters are the most common cause of furnace short cycling and the easiest problem to solve. Air filters catch debris, dust, and other contaminants before the furnace supplies heat to your home. This filtration helps to maintain optimal operations for your furnace while improving the indoor air quality it puts out. 

However, dirty air filters trap heat inside the unit, causing the limit switch to shut off before the unit adequately heats your property. Replacing your furnace’s filter should allow the heat to escape the system and improve its overall efficiency. A clean air filter also helps prevent overheating, ensuring the system remains functional and pristine throughout winter.

#2 Oversized Furnace

Oversized furnaces can’t evenly distribute warmth and generate heat too quickly. This leads to short cycling that can skyrocket your monthly energy payments. Unfortunately, in this case, you’ll have to replace the entire furnace. 

Before purchasing a replacement, be sure to chat with a professional technician like Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling to examine your home and determine the correct unit size.

#3 An Improperly Placed Thermostat

Your thermostat’s location is more important than you might think. If it is in unusually warm areas, the thermostat will misread the indoor temperature. Usually, this results in your furnace shutting off before your home has reached your desired temperature. 

The room with the thermostat may match your temperature setting, but with the rest of your property not receiving the heat it needs, your home interior may feel too cold. That’s why experts always advise that you install your thermostat in a room that represents the rest of your house well. The switch shuts down short cycling on your furnace and optimizes air distribution.

Signs of Furnace Short Cycling

Identifying a short cycling furnace is difficult if you don’t know what to look for. Fortunately, most furnaces will display warning signs before they become a safety hazard. If you notice any of the following indications, contact a professional HVAC technician immediately:

• Your thermostat displays incorrect temperature readings.
• The space around your furnace is much hotter than normal.
• The furnace generates short bursts of warmth without fully heating your property.

Is your furnace short cycling? Don’t wait to contact Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling’s HVAC technicians for help!

Contact Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling for Unmatched Furnace Repair in Boiling Springs, South Carolina

Is furnace short cycling dangerous in a home? Yes, but the Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling team will have your furnace looking and functioning like new again while helping you avoid inefficient DIY furnace maintenance at all costs. Nothing is more important than our clients' satisfaction, and we go above and beyond to provide exceptional heating and cooling services that surpass expectations.

Give Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling a call at (864) 689-2303 today to schedule your appointment in Boiling Springs, South Carolina!