Why Your Heater Keeps Turning On and Off

With the cooler days and nights already upon us, there are many homeowners who have turned on their heaters. There’s nothing better than coming home to a warm and cozy house when it’s cold in Fairfax, Virginia. For some homeowners, getting the heater to operate correctly can be a bit tricky. Here’s a look at three reasons your heater keeps turning on and off and what you can do about it:

It’s Supposed to Turn On and Off

A furnace that’s properly sized for your home should cycle on and off from three to eight times an hour. If it’s turning on and off more than eight times, consider how cold it is outside. If the temperatures are well below freezing, your heating system will cycle more often than normal.

The Filter is Dirty

A dirty air filter could be the cause of the heater turning off and on so much. It puts extra strain on the furnace, causing excess wear and tear. This ultimately leads to costly repairs and potentially having to replace the entire unit.

Replacing the filter once every 30 days is a great way to mitigate this issue. As a result, your heating system will:

• Operate more efficiently and lower energy costs
• Endure less strain and not require repairs as often
• Circulate fresh air that helps maintain healthy IAQ

The Thermostat is in the Wrong Spot

The heater turning on and off excessively could be the result of the thermostat being placed in the wrong spot. If it’s installed near a heat-producing appliance, like a kitchen stove, it could confuse the unit into thinking the house is warmer than the actual temperature. A thermostat in direct sunlight will also malfunction. As a result, the heater will turn itself off frequently even though the rest of the house isn’t as warm as you’d.

Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning specializes in quality heating installation, maintenance, and repair services. Contact us today at 703-783-0145 if your heating system is cycling frequently. We’ll repair the problem and make sure you aren’t wasting energy and money.

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