How Long Is a Normal Furnace Heating Cycle?

Bill Weavers • January 11, 2022

How Long Is a Normal Furnace Heating Cycle?

Nothing beats relaxing at home during the winter when your furnace works smoothly and efficiently. But have you ever wondered if it’s operating as it should? Are you aware of how long and how often your heating system should be running? Continue reading here as heating and cooling services provider W.E. Beavers Jr. Heating & Cooling explains everything you need to know about the typical heating cycle of a home furnace.

A house is covered in snow and trees are covered in snow.

The Average Runtime of a Furnace

On average, a furnace should kick on and turn off anywhere from two to three times an hour, with each cycle lasting 10 to 15 minutes, to maintain the desired indoor temperature. That’s assuming there are no extreme factors involved and your home has average insulation. If your furnace runs longer or shorter than average, don’t worry about problems with the unit just yet.


The number of times your heating equipment runs per hour depends on several different variables. In addition to your home’s insulation, the outdoor air temperature and the age of your furnace may also play a part in the heating cycle.

Causes of Frequent Furnace Cycling

If you do notice longer or shorter heating cycles happening consistently even during mild weather conditions, this could mean there’s an issue that requires the immediate attention of a heating services contractor. Problems include the following:


Dirty furnace filter – Too much dust and dirt on your air filter prevents the heating unit from ensuring proper airflow. The heat exchanger could overheat as a result, which will then cause the furnace to cycle on and off too frequently.

Thermostat issues – Your furnace could be running intermittently due to faulty thermostat sensors. The batteries could also be running low.

The wrong furnace size – It’s also possible that the furnace may either be too big or too small for your home. Thus, it will heat your indoor spaces faster or slower than normal, putting unnecessary stress on the unit and its internal components.

There’s only one contractor to call for heating and cooling issues. Count on W.E. Beavers Jr. Heating & Cooling for your HVAC repairs and installations. Call (703) 897-5505  or fill out our contact form to   schedule an appointment today.

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