Have you noticed that your furnace keeps turning on and off every few minutes? This frustrating issue, short-cycling, can make it hard to keep your home warm and comfortable while driving up energy bills. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why does my furnace start and then stop?” you’re not alone. Many North Alabama homeowners face this problem each winter.
Common Reasons Your Furnace Is Short-Cycling
1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and shut off. If your furnace ignites but then shuts off, it may be a sign that the system is protecting itself from overheating. Changing your filters regularly is an easy way to prevent this.
2. Thermostat Issues
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the furnace at all. A malfunctioning thermostat or poor placement (like being too close to a heat source) can cause your furnace turns on and then shuts off too soon.
3. Faulty Flame Sensor
When the flame sensor is dirty or failing, the furnace won’t detect a flame and will turn off as a safety measure. If my furnace starts then stops after a few seconds, this could be the culprit.
4. Oversized Furnace
If your furnace is too large for your home, it will heat the space quickly and then shut off, only to repeat the cycle. This not only affects comfort but can also shorten the system’s lifespan. Sometimes, a local furnace replacement may be the best long-term solution.
5. Ventilation or Duct Problems
Blocked vents or damaged ductwork can also make your furnace starts and then stops as it struggles to push air through the system.
Why This Matters
Short cycling isn’t just annoying. It can lead to higher energy bills, uneven heating, and unnecessary wear and tear on your system. Left untreated, it could become a much bigger problem requiring costly repairs.
How Alabama Climate Control Can Help
At Alabama Climate Control, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing issues like short cycling. As a trusted furnace repair contractor, we focus on solving your heating problems, not selling unnecessary services. Whether your furnace needs a simple cleaning, a part replacement, or even a local furnace replacement, we’ll walk you through your options and provide the best solution for your home.
We proudly serve Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Florence, Athens, Tanner, and surrounding areas, bringing reliable and honest service to our North Alabama neighbors.
Get Your Furnace Running Right Again
Don’t let a short cycling furnace leave you cold this winter. Alabama Climate Control offers expert diagnostics, fast repairs, and genuine care for your comfort.
Talk to our team today to schedule your furnace service with North Alabama’s trusted HVAC experts.