Common Reasons For Frequent Cycling In A Gas Heater

During the winter months, many people rely on their home's gas heater to keep the interior warm and comfortable. Thus, when there is any type of issue with the heater, it can be alarming, especially when it is freezing outside. As a homeowner, one thing you need to be aware of and pay attention to is how often your heater turns off and on. The frequency of how often a gas heater runs is called cycling, and if the heater is cycling off and on all of the time with only short breaks, it is usually a big red flag indicating that there is a problem that needs to be repaired. Some common reasons that your gas heater may be turning on and off frequently include the following:

Air Filter is Dirty

When your home's air filter is dirty, air is unable to flow freely through the system and distribute the warm air through the vents. Lack of airflow will cause the heat exchanger to overheat, and that will trip the limit switch to turn off the gas valve. As soon as the gas valve turns off, there is no more power source, so the heater will turn off. After a few minutes, the heat exchanger will cool down and the system will turn on again. When your gas heater is frequently cycling, the first thing you should do is check the air filter to see if it is clogged with dirt and debris and needs to be replaced.

Problem with the Flame Sensor

The flame sensor is responsible for detecting when there are flames present within the heating system, indicating that it is running and that heat needs to be produced. If the heat sensor does not sense any flames, the gas valve is turned off and the system shuts down. Over time, a flame sensor can wear out, become corroded, or get covered in carbon, which prevents it from working properly. Typically, having the flame sensor replaced will solve the issue and your gas heater will begin cycling normally again.

Faulty Thermostat

Your gas heater accepts messages from your home's thermostat in order to know when to run and when the home is at the preferred temperature level. When a thermostat is no longer working properly, it can't accurately assess the interior temperature in the room, which can result in it sending signals for the heater to keep turning on and off. If you have heater issues and the thermostat in your home is old, it may be the source of the problem. 

Contact a heating repair company to learn more.

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