Texas winters are generally mild, however, some parts of the state can see temperatures dip into the 20s. If your furnace continuously turns on and off, it’s likely doing something called “short cycling.” Don’t let furnace short cycling ruin your winter. The experienced technicians at Medley Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing can solve your short cycling problems.

What is Furnace Short Cycling?

Short cycling occurs when your furnace turns on and off frequently, increasing energy consumption and decreasing home comfort. There are several possible causes of furnace short cycling, and it can cause long-term damage if the problem is not addressed. Some of the causes are DIY repairs, while others require the help of a trained professional like the experienced technicians at Medley. 

Common Causes of a Furnace That Keeps Turning On and Off

While the underlying cause of a furnace that is short cycling varies, there are a few common reasons why this might occur.

Dirty or clogged air filters

A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow in your furnace and makes the system work harder and overheat. As a result, the unit may turn itself off as a safety measure to prevent system malfunction, resulting in short cycling. 

Once your system cools off, the system turns on again, and the cycle repeats. Understanding the cause of your furnace woes is crucial to keep your system running smoothly. Fortunately, fixing clogged air filters in furnaces is simple – just replace the dirty, clogged filter with a new one. 

Faulty thermostat

A faulty thermostat can cause short cycling. Here are some of the main reasons why your thermostat might have issues:

• The thermostat is not set to “heat” mode.
• Your thermostat could have faulty or damaged wiring.
• A thermostat that is improperly calibrated will turn on and off until it’s fixed.
• Digital thermostats with low or “dead” batteries will often malfunction.
• Thermostats placed near a heat source like a sunny window could give false readings and malfunction.

Oversized furnace

An oversized furnace will heat your home too quickly, causing the thermostat to turn the unit off. Once the temperature drops, it turns on again and repeats the cycle until you correct the issue. An experienced HVAC technician can perform a load calculation to ensure your furnace is appropriately sized for your home. Medley has flexible financing options available to help you replace your oversized furnace with the correct size to save energy and money.

Blower motor issues

Like a clogged filter, a dirty blower motor can restrict airflow, causing similar problems. If the furnace’s blower motor is broken or malfunctioning, it can also cause the system to short cycle. At Medley, we specialize in blower fan malfunction repairs to ensure that this important furnace component continues to work as it should. 

Dirty flame sensor

If you have a gas furnace, a dirty flame sensor can cause short cycling since it may not detect the flame properly. This causes the furnace to shut off as a safety precaution, which results in short cycling. If you suspect any issues with your furnace’s flame sensor, contact Medley for prompt, reliable furnace repair services. 

Heat exchanger or limit switch problems

A cracked or damaged heat exchanger can cause gases to leak and cause the unit to overheat and turn off. Dirt or debris clogging the heat exchanger will also lead to overheating, causing the limit switch to turn the unit off when it senses high temperatures. 

Heating Repair Solutions for a Short Cycling Furnace

If you’ve done some heating system troubleshooting and think you know the cause, you can do some of these fixes on your own. 

Replace or clean the air filter

Check your furnace’s air filter frequently to ensure it’s clean and free of clogs. If it’s dirty, replace it with a new one. You should replace the furnace air filter every 30, 60, or 90 days per the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the airflow open and prevent overheating.

Thermostat repairs or replacement

A faulty thermostat may either need repair or replacement. A professional technician can inspect your thermostat to determine which option is best. Upgrading to a new thermostat can improve your furnace’s energy efficiency. 

Inspect and repair furnace components

Inspect your furnace components every fall for preventative maintenance. The sooner you can identify and repair or replace faulty components, the better your system will run, and you’ll prevent more costly repairs. 

Evaluate furnace size and efficiency

If you’re not sure whether your current furnace is appropriately sized, contact the Medley team. We’ll assess your system and determine whether it’s best to have your furnace replaced to improve efficiency. 

Preventing Furnace Short Cycling in the Future

Here are some ways you can prevent furnace short cycling in the future to keep your system running smoothly. 

Regular maintenance

Regular preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent your furnace from short cycling. Maintenance should include regular inspections, tune-ups, and other measures like changing the air filter. 

Proper thermostat use

Make sure your thermostat is set to the right temperature and that it’s turned to the “heat” setting. A programmable thermostat is a great way to save energy and keep it set to the right temperature based on your needs. 

Monitor air quality

If you notice an increase in dust or other airborne particles, it could indicate an issue with your furnace. Carefully monitor the indoor air quality in your home, especially when the furnace is on. If something seems “off,” it might be time to call for a furnace inspection.

When to Call a Professional for Furnace Repairs

Here’s when you should call a professional for furnace repairs:

• The pilot light flame is yellow instead of blue or it won’t stay lit
• Your furnace is making loud, strange noises or producing strong odors
• The system is short cycling or it’s not producing consistent heat
• You see visible grime or damage to furnace components

Call Medley Today!

Whether you live in The Colony, TX, or the surrounding areas, you can count on the team at Medley Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing to help with all of your HVAC needs. Our experienced technicians are dedicated to helping you find and repair issues with your furnace and more. If your furnace is short cycling, contact us today so we can identify the cause and make things right. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Short Cycling

Is it dangerous if my furnace keeps cycling on and off?

A furnace that is short cycling could lead to long-term damage. In some cases, the underlying issue might also result in a dangerous and potentially deadly gas leak or electrical fire. 

Is it better to repair or replace a furnace that’s constantly short cycling?

Minor issues like a dirty air filter or a thermostat that’s set incorrectly can easily be repaired. However, if your furnace is constantly short-cycling due to a major component being broken, it might be best to replace the entire system. 

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your Thanksgiving guests. With the help of Medley, we have compiled a list of practical tips to ensure your home is cozy and comfortable for everyone. From optimizing your HVAC system to adding thoughtful touches, let’s dive into the details of creating a memorable Thanksgiving experience.

1. Prepare Your HVAC System:

A well-functioning HVAC system is crucial for maintaining a cozy environment during Thanksgiving. Start by scheduling a maintenance check-up with a professional technician from Medley. They will inspect and clean your system, ensuring it operates efficiently and effectively. Additionally, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature according to your guests’ comfort.

2. Seal Drafts and Insulate:

Drafts can significantly affect the warmth of your home. Before Thanksgiving arrives, inspect your windows and doors for any gaps or cracks. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal these areas and prevent heat loss. Additionally, consider insulating your attic and walls to further enhance energy efficiency and maintain a cozy atmosphere.

3. Enhance Indoor Air Quality:

Clean and fresh air is essential for a comfortable environment. Prior to Thanksgiving, replace your HVAC filters to improve air quality and reduce allergens. Consider investing in an air purifier to eliminate dust, pet dander, and other airborne particles. Medley recommends using high-quality filters and purifiers to ensure optimal indoor air quality.

4. Optimize Airflow:

Proper airflow is crucial for maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout your home. Ensure that furniture, rugs, or other objects are not blocking vents or obstructing airflow. Rearrange your furniture if necessary to allow for better circulation. Consider using ceiling fans to distribute warm air evenly, especially in larger rooms.

5. Create Cozy Spaces:

To truly make your guests feel at home, create cozy spaces throughout your living areas. Arrange comfortable seating areas near the fireplace or strategically place warm blankets and cushions for added comfort. Dim the lights or use candles to create a warm and inviting ambiance. These thoughtful touches will enhance the cozy atmosphere and make your guests feel welcome.

By implementing these practical tips, you can create a cozy environment for your Thanksgiving guests in Lewisville that they will remember for years to come. Remember to schedule a maintenance check-up with Medley to ensure your HVAC system is in top-notch condition. Don’t forget to take advantage of programmable thermostats, seal drafts, enhance indoor air quality, optimize airflow, and create inviting spaces. With these preparations, your Thanksgiving celebration will be a warm and comfortable experience for everyone.

If you’ve ever owned a home with an older furnace, chances are you’ve noticed a small flame burning near the base. This is called a pilot light and serves a very important purpose in your furnace system. It’s essential to understand why your furnace has a pilot light and how it works so that you can keep your home warm and safe this winter season. Let’s dive into the basics of furnace pilot lights.

What Is A Pilot Light?

A pilot light is a small flame that stays lit constantly on many older furnaces. This flame provides heat to the thermocouple (a metal sensor) so that the device can sense when enough gas is present for the main burners to ignite. When the thermocouple senses enough gas, it sends an electric signal to open up the gas valve and allow fuel to enter the main burner, where the spark from your ignition system can ignite it.

Why Do I Need One?

Pilot lights are used as part of safety measures in many old furnaces because they provide an additional layer of protection between you and potentially dangerous amounts of fuel. The thermocouple senses when there is enough gas present during ignition, but if there isn’t enough fuel present, then it won’t send an electric signal; thus, preventing any excess fuel from entering the main burner, where it could become hazardous if exposed to sparks or flames. Without this extra layer of protection, large amounts of fuel could potentially build up in your furnace before being ignited, which could cause explosions or fires if left unchecked.

How Do I Maintain My Pilot Light?

The best way to maintain your pilot light is by checking on it occasionally throughout the year. You should also check it before turning on your furnace for each heating season since sometimes these lights can go out over time without regular use or maintenance. If you find that yours has gone out, extinguish all other sources of fire in your home and try relighting it with a long-handled match or lighter following instructions provided by your manufacturer or local HVAC company. Additionally, be sure to check for any excessive buildup around its base since this could indicate another issue with its function or placement within your unit itself; if this is the case, contact a professional immediately for assistance!

Having a pilot light within your furnace system helps add an additional layer of safety against potentially dangerous amounts of fuel being ignited within your home environment during ignition cycles, making them essential components in many older units today. Be sure to check on yours periodically throughout each heating season and contact a professional if you find any issues with its function or placement so that you can rest easy knowing everything is functioning properly! By understanding why these devices are so important —and taking good care of them—you will have peace of mind knowing that all possible steps have been taken to keep yourself and others safe during the cold winter months ahead!

Are you trying to make your water heater more effective and efficient? Reach out to our team online or at Medley Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

Your furnace is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home. It keeps you warm and cozy all winter long! But what do you do if it stops working? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog post, Medley Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing will share four common problems that can cause your furnace to malfunction. We will also provide tips on how to fix them. So whether your furnace is making strange noises or you just can’t seem to get it to turn on, read on for help!

Dirty Filter

The most common cause of a malfunctioning furnace is dirty or clogged filters. This is why it’s so important to change your filter every few months. A blocked filter restricts airflow, which can lead to decreased performance and even permanent damage to your system. To ensure optimal performance, you should check your filter every month and replace it whenever necessary.

Thermostat Issues

If your thermostat isn’t working properly, it can disrupt the temperature inside your home. Check that the batteries are fresh and that the temperature setting on the thermostat is correct for the season. Also, make sure nothing is blocking the sensors in the thermostat from accurately reading the room’s temperature.

Pilot Light Problems

If your furnace won’t turn on, it could be due to a malfunctioning pilot light. Check the pilot light to make sure it is burning blue and adjust it if needed. If you can’t get the pilot light to stay lit, call in a professional HVAC technician in the Colony, TX for help.

Ignition System Issues

The ignition system includes the spark igniter and gas valve that work together to ignite the fuel within your furnace. Sometimes these parts become dirty or corroded, which can cause them to malfunction and keep your furnace from turning on properly. Have an experienced technician inspect this part of your system periodically to ensure optimal performance.

These are just some of the most common problems that can cause your furnace to malfunction.

If you’re still having trouble getting your furnace to work, don’t hesitate to call Medley Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing at (972) 245-3132 or fill out our online contact form. We will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest a solution that fits your needs.