Adjusting a heat anticipator to a higher setting will?

Adjusting a heat anticipator to a higher setting influences the operation of the heating system's thermostat. A heat anticipator is designed to predict when the desired temperature is about to be reached, allowing the system to shut off the burner just before the setpoint temperature is achieved. When you increase the setting of the anticipator, it causes the system to run for a longer period before shutting off.

This extended operation results in a longer burner cycle because the system will heat the space for a more extended time, taking into account that the anticipator now predicts that it reaches the temperature target later than it would with a lower setting. This includes allowing the space to reach the desired temperature with less sensitivity to quick fluctuations, thus providing more consistent heating over time.

In contrast, a lower setting would activate the burner more quickly, leading to shorter cycles. Therefore, increasing the anticipator setting leads to longer cycles, making the choice of answer especially fitting.