Few things are as frustrating as a furnace that repeatedly shuts off, leaving you in the cold. If you've ever found yourself asking, "Why does my furnace keep shutting off?" you're not alone. There are several common reasons for this issue, and the certified and experienced HVAC team from Limcan Certified is here to help you understand and resolve them.
So, if you want to learn more about why your furnace is shutting off randomly, keep reading!
Furnace Experts Available 24/7/365
The certified HVAC team at Limcan Certified is backed by 60 years of industry experience. We’ve had the pleasure of partnering with homeowners throughout the Whitby community and surrounding neighborhoods throughout the years and can confidently say we are well-equipped to handle any HVAC need you have, whether it be repairs, maintenance, or the installation of a new unit.
Limcan Certified is available for repairs and maintenance 24/7/365 days a year! That includes after-hours, weekends, and holidays at no additional cost to homeowners! That’s right—whenever you need us, we’ll be there with the solutions!
Why Does My Furnace Turn Off After a Few Minutes?
When your furnace shuts down after only a few minutes, it's usually a sign of an underlying problem that requires professional attention. Clogged air filters, faulty parts, and thermostat issues are all examples of these types of problems. Rather than attempting to diagnose and resolve the issue yourself, it is best to have a certified HVAC technician inspect the unit for you. They can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of the problem and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that your furnace runs efficiently and reliably moving forward.
We understand that frequent short cycles can result in decreased comfort, higher energy bills, and more significant wear and tear on your heating system, which emphasizes the importance of a professional inspection as soon as you notice this problem occurring in your home.
Why Does My Furnace Turn On for a Few Seconds and Then Shut Off?
If your furnace turns on for a few seconds and then shuts down, it is most likely experiencing "short cycling." When this happens, short cycling reduces not only your comfort but also the wear and tear on your heating system.
Short cycling is a common problem in heating systems that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
- A flame sensor is responsible for detecting the existence of a flame. If it's dirty or broken, it may fail to detect the flame correctly, leading the furnace to shut down as a precaution.
- Short cycling can be caused by incorrect thermostat settings, a faulty thermostat, or its location in a drafty area.
- Blocked vents and ductwork may interfere with airflow, resulting in the system getting too hot and shutting down.
How Do I Stop My Furnace From Short-Cycling?
Short cycling is inefficient and can cause damage to your heating system. Here are some steps to take to prevent your furnace from doing so:
- Check the Thermostat Settings: Ensure that your thermostat is set correctly.
- Replace or Clean Air Filters: Air filters that are dirty or clogged can cause short cycling by restricting airflow and overheating the furnace.
- Sizing: Make sure your furnace is the right size for your home. An oversized furnace may overheat your space, resulting in short cycling. If you suspect improper sizing, contact an HVAC professional.
- Professional Maintenance: Schedule your furnace's annual professional maintenance. This includes inspecting the components, cleaning them, and maintaining proper combustion. Short cycling can be avoided with regular maintenance.
- Check the Gas Supply: Make sure there are no problems with your gas supply, as gas pressure issues can lead to short cycling. If you suspect a problem with your gas supply, contact a professional.
Ultimately, the best way to stop short cycling from happening is to reach out to a local HVAC company to schedule an inspection of your heating system, as there may be an underlying problem that will need to be addressed by a professional.
What Causes the Furnace to Shut off Before Reaching Temperature?
Several factors can cause a furnace to shut down before it reaches the temperature you're looking for, leaving you cold and uncomfortable.
Some of the most common causes of this problem are:
- Incorrect thermostat settings can cause furnaces to shut down prematurely. If the thermostat is set way too close to the desired temperature, the heating system may cycle on and off.
- Filters that are dirty or blocked will restrict airflow, causing the furnace to become overheated. This, in turn, activates a safety mechanism that shuts off the furnace to protect it from further damage. It is critical to change or clean the air filters regularly.
- A dirty or faulty flame sensor may fail to detect the burner's flame correctly, triggering the furnace to shut down as a precautionary measure. This problem can be fixed by cleaning or replacing the flame sensor.
- Furnace shutdowns can also be caused by issues with the electrical or gas supply. Check for any problems with your energy source or gas supply.
- Since it heats the space too quickly, an incorrectly sized furnace for your house can cycle on and off too quickly.
Is your furnace shutting off before reaching the temperature you’re looking for? If so, it may be time to call a repair technician from Limcan Certified.
Our team of technicians is available 24/7/365 days a year, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays at no extra cost! With the help of our team, you can get your furnace back up and operating as it should without the added headache! Leave it to the Limcan Certified team to handle all the details while you go on throughout your day stress-free!
You can reach us over the phone or use our secure online booking system to reserve your furnace repair appointment with us today! We look forward to meeting with you!
