What is a common cause of short cycling in a heating system?

A common cause of short cycling in a heating system is a faulty thermostat. When a thermostat malfunctions, it can send incorrect signals to the heating system, causing it to turn on and off rapidly without allowing adequate time for the space to reach the desired temperature. This erratic operation leads to inefficient heating and increased wear and tear on the system.

In contrast, low thermostat settings typically result in the system not engaging at all rather than causing it to cycle incorrectly. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, which may cause overheating and prompt the system to shut down, but they usually do not contribute to short cycling in the same manner as a faulty thermostat. Correct duct size ensures the proper distribution of air but does not specifically relate to the issue of cycling frequency. Therefore, identifying and addressing a faulty thermostat is key to resolving short cycling in heating systems.