How Frequently Should My Furnace Cycle?

Winter can be tough on your home and your furnace. It’s normal for that furnace to kick in and out, but you might notice it working overtime when Old Man Winter is a little active.

A well-oiled furnace usually cycles on and off about 3 to 8 times an hour. But, and there’s always a but, this can change depending on how your home is built, how well it’s insulated, and just how bone-chilling it is outside.

Now, if you’re dealing with a furnace acting like it’s on a roller coaster—constantly going up and down like it’s at an amusement park—that’s what we call short cycling. And let me tell you, that’s not a joyride you want to be on. It’s like a warning sign flashing in big, bold letters.

From a dirty air filter to a motor throwing a tantrum, short cycling can signal some serious issues. Don’t let it slide. Get a furnace pro in there pronto to sort it out. Your home deserves it, and so do you.

How often should your furnace cycle?

Winter can be harsh on your home, particularly your furnace, the core of your heating system. It’s normal for the furnace to turn on and off, but you may notice it working overtime during extreme winter conditions. A well-maintained furnace typically cycles about 3 to 8 times an hour. However, this frequency can vary based on your home’s construction, insulation quality, and the severity of the cold weather.

Now, if your furnace is behaving like it’s on a roller coaster—constantly fluctuating like an amusement park ride—that’s short cycling. And let me tell you, being on that ride is not something you want. It’s like a warning sign glaring at you in bold letters

From a dirty air filter to a motor throwing a tantrum, short cycling can indicate some serious issues. Don’t overlook it. Bring in a professional furnace to address the problem. Your home deserves the attention, and so do you.

Understanding Your Furnace’s Rhythm

Winter can be unforgiving to your home, especially to the vital organ of your heating system – the furnace. While turning on and off is normal, the onslaught of Old Man Winter can push it into overtime. A well-maintained furnace typically cycles 3 to 8 times an hour, but this can vary based on your home’s construction, insulation quality, and the harshness of the weather.

Beware of Short Cycling – A Warning Sign

Short cycling, where your furnace behaves like it’s on a roller coaster, constantly fluctuating, is a cause for concern. This is a bold warning sign, flashing in big, bold letters. Whether it’s a clogged air filter or a misbehaving motor, short cycling signals potentially serious issues. Please don’t ignore it. Swiftly bring in a furnace professional to address the problem because your home deserves better, and so do you.

Ideal Furnace Run Time in Cold Weather

Under normal conditions, a furnace runs for 10 to 15 minutes per cycle, with some units extending up to 20 minutes. If your furnace consistently surpasses this timeframe, it’s a red flag. Extended cycling poses risks of overheating and premature wear and tear on your furnace. If you observe prolonged run times, it’s time to call in an HVAC professional for a thorough inspection.

Addressing Short Cycling During Cold Weather

If your furnace is caught in the short-cycling loop, it could be due to various issues. The most effective way to identify and resolve the problem is to engage the services of an HVAC technician.

They’ll replace the air filter, clean the furnace’s flame sensor, and ensure no obstructions in the exhaust vent. If these initial steps fail to resolve the issue, thoroughly examine the thermostat and internal furnace components.

Sometimes, short cycling may be attributed to an aging or incorrectly sized furnace. In such cases, your HVAC specialist can recommend a suitable replacement that aligns with your budget and home requirements.

Choose Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling for Reliable Furnace Repairs

Regarding furnace repairs in DE, PA, and MD, choose Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling. Trust the expertise of our skilled HVAC technicians for accurate diagnoses and effective, long-lasting repairs. We’re the preferred choice for furnace repairs in New Castle County, Delaware, Cecil County, MD, and surrounding areas. Keep your home warm and cozy – choose Hillside for your furnace repair needs.