If you’re a homeowner in Hamilton, a furnace is a necessity to survive the winter. As our heating systems allow us to battle the frigid temperatures, you might have wondered how often should furnace cycle.
Gone are the dormant summer days of your furnace as winter graces in. While it is normal for your furnace to cycle during a colder temperature, frequent on and off may be problematic. If you’re interested to learn more about this, read further.
Is the constant on and off-cycle a common thing?
There is no one standard answer to how often furnace should cycle. However, frequent on and off could signal that you’re having a furnace emergency or a system failure.
As computed on an average scale, your furnace should be operating at a rate of three to eight times hourly. Meaning to say that it is relatively typical to observe cycles at this range. However, you might be dealing with an issue if you have noticed that it’s beyond this acceptable quantity. It is crucial to keep an eye out and observe your furnace cycles as they may indicate a severe issue in the system. If left ignored, it could contribute to a total system breakdown.
Short-cycling and its causes
Several factors determine how often should furnace cycle. While insulation and outdoor temperatures play a significant role, a constant on and off may not be typical.
The unusual and frequent power on and off characterizes your furnace’s short cycling. It is due to several issues that, if left unaddressed, could trigger costly bills on your end. The first possible reason is an oversized furnace. Proper furnace sizing is essential when getting the accurate unit for your home. Overly large furnaces for a minimal or average space can trigger constant system fluctuations. Another trigger of short cycling can be overheating. The system overheats when there is insufficient airflow. It is due to blockages in the filters that hinder the air pathway. As a result, the system retains the heat and shuts down your system as a safety feature.
Is your furnace nearly 20 years old? If the answer is yes, its age is the culprit behind the malfunction. Typical furnace lifespan ranges from 15 to 20 years. While this could vary upon usage and adequate maintenance, it could act up in its replacing era. Lastly, a faulty thermostat can also cause short cycling. It is the component responsible for kicking the control board to start heating. If it is problematic, it can turn your system on and off.
Conclusion
Learning about how often should furnace cycle is key to detecting an anomaly in your heating system. When you observe your furnace during its operation, you have to examine whether it functions normally or not carefully. When the cycles are too short after each interval, you might be chancing upon an issue in the system. It is best to consult your trusted contractor to diagnose the matter further. They will also help you do the necessary repairs before it becomes a significant problem and worsens.
