Do You Know What Short Cycling Is?

The term short cycling is used in the heating, air conditioning, and ventilation industry to describe when a furnace or air conditioner turns on and off too quickly. If your heating and cooling equipment are working properly, it will run efficiently, as designed. But when problems occur, the cycles will shorten, causing your equipment to wear out sooner than necessary.

By getting to the root of the problem early, you can ensure your heating and cooling systems have a long life.

What causes short cycling?

Wrong size – If your furnace or air conditioner are the wrong sizes for your space, they will have to work harder than necessary. Because an oversized unit will produce more conditioned air than the space needs, it will cause the unit to shut down before the complete cycle runs through the system. If the equipment isn’t working correctly, it causes parts to wear down. According to EnergyStar, this is one of the top reasons for higher energy bills.

Thermostat – Have you recently upgraded your thermostat? Is it in a proper location to get an accurate reading? Thermostats should never be in direct sunlight, or near appliances or vents that generate heat. You should also ensure that they are set correctly, and aren’t broken or wearing down.

Power outage – With all the wild weather we’ve had, have you experienced a power outage? It can cause breaker problems, which in turn can impact the way your heating and cooling systems work.

Poor maintenance – Your furnace and air conditioner aren’t “install and forget” appliances. Like your other home appliances, they need a little TLC from time to time. A dirty air filter can restrict air flow. A clogged condensation drain can lead to a system that doesn’t work. At a minimum, a service technician should inspect your equipment once a year, to ensure it’s working optimally and providing you with the proper levels of heat and air.

Today’s equipment is designed with better technology that can help you prevent short cycling, ensuring a long life with all of your appliances. Whether you’re considering a new furnace or air conditioner, or just want to ensure yours is working properly, give us a call today. We’ll help ensure your equipment is ready to keep you comfortable, all season long.