Why your furnace keeps shutting off

A furnace that starts and stops over and over is called short cycling. It wears out parts and leaves your home cold. Here is what causes it.

Airquest furnace in a mechanical room

Common causes

A dirty filter is the most common one. A clogged filter chokes the airflow and the furnace shuts down to protect itself. A bad flame sensor, a faulty thermostat or an oversized furnace can do it too.

What you can try first

Change the filter and make sure vents are open. Check that the thermostat is set right and has good batteries. If it keeps cycling, it is time to call us.

Why it matters here

In a northern Michigan winter you cannot wait on heat. Short cycling often points to a problem that gets worse fast. We find the real cause and fix it so your home stays warm.

Quick tips from our crew

  • Change the filter first. It fixes short cycling more often than not.
  • Keep return vents clear of furniture and rugs.
  • If it keeps cycling, stop guessing and call us.

Not sure where to start? Call us and we will walk you through it, plain and simple.


Questions about your own home? We are glad to help. Call (231) 266-5780 or send us a note. We are a family owned company serving Lake, Manistee, Mason and Wexford counties, and we listen first.

Ready to get started? Let us talk.