Why does my furnace keep kicking on and off?

Author: Miss Matilde McClure Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, February 26, 2026

A furnace cycling on and off repeatedly can be caused by various reasons, from dirty filters and obstructions in ducts and registers to incorrect thermostat settings and faulty limit switches. By following the steps above, you can help prevent your furnace from cycling too frequently and save energy costs.

Why does my furnace kick on and then shut off?

Restricted airflow

Blocked vents or a clogged air filter may cause your furnace to run and then shut off too early. It's easy to fix these issues on your own.

Why is my furnace blower going on and off repeatedly?

Your furnace blower fan may repeatedly cycle due to a clogged air filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, inadequate airflow, or issues with the furnace's limit switch. Each of these issues can disrupt the blower's operation.

Why does my furnace keep kicking in and out?

If your furnace kicks on and off, the first thing you need to check is your filter. If it is dirty and covered in contaminant matter, change it and see if a fresh filter solves the short cycling issue.

How do I fix my furnace from short cycling?

Solutions:
  1. Cleaning the Flame Sensor: ...
  2. Replacing a Faulty Sensor: If cleaning doesn't resolve the issue or the sensor is damaged, replace it with a new one.
  3. Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual furnace maintenance to ensure all components, including the flame sensor, are in good working condition.

Furnace turns on then turns off after seconds - Common Causes

What would cause a gas furnace to cycle on and off?

When gas gets built up in a new furnace it may shut down for extended periods of time until it can be reset to try again. Some older furnaces may not have this and could cycle off and on as gas is built up. This switch turns your furnace off if gases are not properly ventilated out of the exhaust flue.

How do I stop short cycling?

How To Stop and Prevent Short-Cycling
  1. Check your air filter. Believe it or not, a clogged air filter can cause a wide variety of air conditioning issues. ...
  2. Check your thermostat placement. ...
  3. Check your air conditioner's refrigerant levels. ...
  4. Replace the low-pressure control switch. ...
  5. Check the compressor.

Why does my furnace keep clicking on and off?

The common sources of a furnace clicking sound are:

If it's faulty or dirty, it won't send the signal and the ignitor will click. Ignitor flame — The flame itself can run too cold to burn the gas or oil effectively, so the ignition clicks for several minutes or unendingly.

How to tell if a thermostat is bad?

A bad thermostat can be detected when your AC or furnace is not turning on, your HVAC systems are not turning off, the thermostat not responding, your HVAC system is short-cycling, the room temperature not matching the temperature displayed on the thermostat, and the programmed setting resetting themselves.

Is it normal for a furnace to kick on every 5 minutes?

If the time between cycles is less than five minutes, the furnace is most likely short-cycling. Heating cycles that run for shorter periods of time produce more frequent heating cycles. Depending on the outside temperature and how well-insulated your home is, these short cycles may occur five to eight times per hour.

Why won't my furnace blower motor stay on?

Check the circuit breaker, thermostat settings, and air filter first as these are common causes of furnace fan failure. Inspect electrical connections, listen for unusual noises, and verify proper airflow through vents during operation.

How do you know if you have a bad flame sensor?

Short cycling is a common sign of a bad flame sensor. The sensor thinks that there isn't a flame, so it shuts off the gas as a safety mechanism. Except, there is a flame and without the gas to supply it, it dies. This is a frustrating problem, but an HVAC technician can fix it.

How much does a new furnace cost?

Ask twenty professional HVAC contractors the question, “How Much Does A New Furnace Cost?” and you'll probably get the same answer... “It depends.” On average, the cost of a new furnace can range from $2,000 - $14,2001. However, factors like furnace efficiency, type, size, and much more can impact this range.

Why won't my furnace stay on?

Insufficient airflow or insufficient gas pressure. A defective, malfunctioning ignition board, flame sensor, light switch, thermostat, thermocouple, fan limiter, or draft inducer fan. The drainage line is blocked, resulting in a full condensate pan. Temperatures are so low that the furnace cannot stay lit.

Why does my HVAC turn on and off repeatedly?

If the wiring between the AC and the thermostat is faulty, or if the thermostat is miscalibrated, your AC may begin to short cycle. Your thermostat may not properly register the temperature inside your home, forcing the AC to repeatedly start and stop in order to reach the desired temperature.

How often should a furnace turn on and off?

Generally, a furnace cycle lasts anywhere between three to 10 times every hour; however, the frequency changes depending on several factors. If your furnace is cycling on and off more frequently than it should, there could be a problem with one of its internal components.

How do you tell if you need a new thermostat in your house?

7 Telltale Signs Your Thermostat Needs Replacing
  1. Blank or unresponsive screen. ...
  2. Short-cycling. ...
  3. Constantly running HVAC units. ...
  4. Inaccurate thermostat temperature readings. ...
  5. Hot and cold spots. ...
  6. High energy bills. ...
  7. Old and obsolete.

Why does the furnace keep shutting off?

One of the most common causes of a furnace shutting off unexpectedly is low airflow. If your furnace keeps turning off, check for issues such as: Dirty Air Filters. A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat.

What does short cycling mean?

In the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) business, short cycling is a phrase used to describe when a heater or air conditioner cycles on and off too frequently. It signifies a problem in your heating system's proper functioning and efficiency, in which it is not completing its heating processes.

Why does my furnace kick on and then kick off?

A furnace cycling on and off repeatedly can be caused by various reasons, from dirty filters and obstructions in ducts and registers to incorrect thermostat settings and faulty limit switches. By following the steps above, you can help prevent your furnace from cycling too frequently and save energy costs.

How do I stop my furnace from short cycling?

As soon as you notice the signs of short cycling, check your filter – make sure it is not filled with contaminants and is installed snugly facing the proper direction. If you have a dirty or clogged air filter, change it right away and see if short cycling stops.

Why does my heating keep clicking on and off?

Temperature fluctuations – If you subject your thermostat to frequent temperature changes, it might end up clicking more often, simply because of more frequent use. It can, however, also hint at a need for recalibration.

Why is my furnace coming on every 5 minutes?

A dirty air filter is the most common cause of short-cycling. If the air filter is clogged with dirt, it won't allow proper air flow to the heat exchanger.

Can a dirty filter cause a furnace to short cycle?

A clogged furnace air filter will negatively affect the airflow throughout your house and HVAC system. The lack of fresh air in your furnace will cause the heat exchanger to become too warm and deactivate. Dirty filters indirectly cause short cycling issues and will make it hard to keep your home warm.

How do I stop rapid cycling?

Effective treatments for some patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder currently include lithium, divalproex, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, atypical antipsychotics, and psychosocial therapy.

Previous article
Should you wash towels in hot or cold water?
Next article
How to fix a discolored quartz countertop?