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Understanding boiler short cycling, why it happens, why it's a problem, common causes, and how to fix it.
Boiler short cycling is when your boiler turns on and off frequently in quick succession, rather than running for longer periods. For example, it might turn on for just a minute or two, then turn off, then turn on again shortly after.
This is different from normal operation, where a boiler should run for longer periods to heat your home, then stay off until more heat is needed.
Short cycling is problematic because:
Increased wear and tear:
Higher energy costs:
Reduced comfort:
Noise:
Common causes include:
Oversized boiler:
Faulty thermostat:
Blocked or restricted flow:
Faulty pump:
Low system pressure:
Faulty expansion vessel:
Signs of short cycling include:
If you notice these signs, your boiler may be short cycling.
Check the basics first:
For oversized boilers:
For system problems:
For thermostat issues:
Call a qualified heating engineer if:
An engineer can properly diagnose the cause and fix it safely.
To help prevent short cycling:
Prevention is better than cure, so regular maintenance is key.
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