How Often Should a Furnace Cycle in the Winter?

Your furnace will periodically turn on and off to attain the temperature set on your thermostat. This is termed “cycling”, and its frequency varies.

Every home needs a properly-operating furnace. So, how often and for how long should your furnace run, and what are some strategies to keep your furnace in good working order and extend its lifespan? Perfect Degree HVAC, a furnace installation company, outlines how often a furnace should turn on throughout the winter in this post.

What Is Short Cycling in a Furnace?

When a furnace cycles on and off frequently with little time in between, this is called short cycling. A short cycling furnace is incapable of producing enough heat to keep a home comfortably warm and pleasant. A furnace with extremely brief cycling may be incapable of producing any heat at all.

How Long Is a Heating Cycle?

The number of heating cycles per hour will vary depending on your location and home size. The number of cycles required to keep your home warm depends on the type of furnace (one-stage or two-stage) and its location.

According to HVAC installation specialists, it appears that cycling for 10 to 15 minutes is sufficient. Running for 20 minutes is  good as well. Other circumstances could lead to more frequent cycling, so even running every seven or eight minutes may not be a problem.

For example, the outside temperature may influence how quickly or slowly the furnace cycles. Mild outdoor temperatures may correspond to the preferred indoor temperature. Since the furnace needs to deal with severe temperatures, bitter, freezing cold weather may cause substantially longer cycles.

Your home’s design influences the furnace’s cycling. Its insulation level, window type, window treatment and even furnace age all play a role. Other factors may also be involved, such as the number of people in your house, the type of heating/cooling equipment used and the condition of your attic.

Keep Your Furnace Running Smoothly All-Winter-Long

While your furnace will cycle several times each hour during the winter, more frequent cycling may indicate a bigger problem. If you think your system cycles too much, Perfect Degree HVAC can diagnose the issue, fix it right away and assist you with your heat pump installation. Call us at (610) 510-4489 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.