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Plumbers: Back Then, Today, and Tomorrow

When talking about any profession, most people tend to focus on the here and now. That's understandable. it's really important to know what's going on in the present tense. But you are missing out on some vital information if you never read and learn about the history of a profession. This applies to plumbing, in particular. You can really further your understanding of the profession by knowing how it began and what changes have been made over the years. That's why we sometimes reference the history of plumbing on this blog. We'll also dive into the future of the profession from time to time because, after all, you have to know where you're headed.

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Plumbers: Back Then, Today, and Tomorrow

What Repairs Might A Short-Cycling Furnace Need?

by Madison Dean

Short-cycling is a behavior that occurs when your furnace turns on, then off, then on again many times in an hour. Each time it turns on, it only blows heated air for a short period. Your home may or may not ever reach the temperature on the thermostat while the furnace is acting in this way. So, why do furnaces do this? Sometimes it is because the air filter is clogged. But if you change the air filter and your furnace still short-cycles, it may need one of the following repairs.

Worn Ball Bearings

The blower motor may be quickly overheating, causing the furnace to turn off as a safety feature. This often happens when there are worn ball bearings in the motor. If this is the case, your furnace will likely make a grinding noise as it runs. An HVAC technician can easily replace a worn ball bearing or two. Make sure you have this done sooner rather than later, as worn ball bearings can allow for further furnace damage if not addressed.

Faulty Ignition Switch

The ignition switch in a furnace does more than just start the fire. It also checks whether there is a fire, and it turns off the gas supply if no fire is detected. This is to prevent gas leaks. If your furnace is short-cycling, it could be because the ignition switch is not detecting the presence of the flame. It is then cutting off the gas supply, which causes the burner to go out.

An HVAC technician may simply need to clean your ignition switch. Or, they may need to replace it. Luckily, the ignition switch is a small part that an HVAC tech can easily replace in a short time.

Faulty Thermostat Wiring

The wiring between your furnace and thermostat may be to blame. Or, the place where the thermostat wire attaches to your furnace may be broken. This could be causing the furnace to think your home has reached temperature before it truly has, which triggers the furnace to turn off. Your furnace contractor can examine the wiring, see where the issue is, and then replace any wires that are contributing to the problem.

If your furnace is short-cycling, don't ignore this issue. The problems that cause short cycling are usually pretty easy to solve, but you'll need to hire a professional to solve them. Call an HVAC company in your area, and set up that appointment.

 Reach out to a company like Merrimack Valley Plumbing LLC to learn more. 

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