There is nothing more irritating or frustrating on a cold winter day than to find that your heater keeps shutting off. If your heater frequently shuts off, you may find it difficulty maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home and worry about an underlying, potentially costly problem with your heating system.
Normal Shut Off Functions:
The first step is to determining if your heater is shutting off too frequently. The average cycle of turning on and off in a typical heating system is between three and six times per hour. If the unit is cycling more often, or “short cycling”, this results in the heater frequently shutting off. This problem can not only be frustrating for the homeowner, but it can cause the heating system to suffer damage and excess wear. If your heating system is shutting off more than six times an hour, it is a good indication of an underlying issue that will require attention.
Troubleshooting the Problem:
In many cases of short cycling, it is possible to remedy the issue without professional assistance. The first step to troubleshoot the problem is to check the thermostat. The thermostat needs to be set at the correct temperature to avoid short cycling. Additionally, you need to check the location of your thermostat. Ideally, your thermostat should not be located near heat sources or heat registers such as direct sunlight or space heaters. If the thermostat is located near a heat source, it is likely that the sensors will pick up an inaccurate temperature reading, forcing a short cycle.
Another troubleshooting point is to check the air filters for the heating system. Your air filters should be checked once a month and cleaned or changed when needed. Clogged filters are a common cause of short cycling. A clogged filter compromises the air flow in the system, preventing the warmed air from circulating around the home. This restriction means that the home feels cold, and the heating system is forced to work harder. Increased pressure on the system can not only increase your energy bills, but it places a strain on the system and increases the risk of breakdown.
Other Causes of Short Cycling:
There are other possible causes of your heater frequently shutting off. These include undersized equipment and ductwork, air ducts that have become dislodged, low refrigerant levels, obstructions in the chimney or vents or a corroded flame sensor. Many of these issues can be easily corrected by a trained heating specialist. Unfortunately, if the problem is severe, it may be more cost effective to consider a full replacement of your heating system. A reputable, experienced professional will be able to offer guidance about whether this is necessary.
Should your heating system need replacing, it can be an opportunity to upgrade to a more efficient model. Today’s heating systems are far more efficient compared to their counterparts from the last decade. Although purchasing a new system is a considerable investment in your home, you should find that you can enjoy energy savings almost immediately. This will allow you to offset the cost of the new system against reduced energy bills for many years to come.