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View Full Version : New Furnace Cycles Often. Is this normal?


ksdallas
Jan 21, 2011, 08:19 PM
Hi. I purchased an entire new furnace and AC system this past summer. It is a 13 seer / 3.5 ton Rheem. I have noticed the furnace runs for about 3 minutes and then shuts off; 5-10 minutes later it kicks back on. Again, it runs just a couple of minutes. Is this normal?

wmproop
Jan 21, 2011, 09:21 PM
No,, the installer needs to be called,, he should stand behind his work

ksdallas
Jan 21, 2011, 09:48 PM
Thanks. He installed a brand new Honeywell Thermostat and from what I have been reading, it sounds like that could need an adjustment. I have the manual and it defaults the heat cycles for an electric furnace to 9 an hour. It doesn't allow you to adjust the temp variation, but the cycles per hour can be adjusted. A lot of people recommend 3, which is listed as an alternative setting. I will still call the installer as I don't want to mess with it and then him say I did something wrong. You know how that goes. I appreciate your help.

mygirlsdad77
Jan 22, 2011, 09:56 PM
You are correct. The heat cycle needs to be set for your furnace. If your furnace is a 90+ efficient gas furnace (plastic exhuast vent), the heat cycle should be set to 3. If 80+ eff (metal exhuast vent) the heat cycle should be set to 5. This will cure your problem. But you are making a wise choice in having the installer come back to do this for you. They should be able to program your thermostat in no time at no charge.

ksdallas
Jan 22, 2011, 10:15 PM
Thank you for your response. I called the installer this morning. I have the thermostat manual which gave very easy instructions on how to make the adjustment. He recommended I set it to 4, which I did and it solved the problem instantly. So happy!

mygirlsdad77
Jan 23, 2011, 11:49 AM
Glad you got it taken care of. Enjoy your new system. Take care.