Rheem Short Cycling Due to Oversizing or Control Issues

Boiler short cycles (frequently turns on and off) without maintaining steady temperature

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Boiler oversized for heating load, Incorrect thermostat placement, Flow sensor or temperature sensor miscalibration, Minimum firing rate too high

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Ensure safe access around the boiler. No internal gas components should be adjusted by unqualified persons.

  • Step 1 – Check thermostat location: Ensure the thermostat is not near heat sources, drafts, or direct sunlight. Relocate if necessary.
  • Step 2 – Verify system flow: Confirm that all zones have adequate flow and that balancing valves are correctly set. Low flow can cause rapid temperature rise and shutdown.
  • Step 3 – Review control settings: In the installer menu, a technician can adjust parameters such as anti-cycling time, differential, and minimum run time to reduce short cycling.
  • Step 4 – Consider buffering: For significantly oversized Rheem boilers, adding a buffer tank or increasing system water volume can reduce cycling. This requires design by a heating professional.

Warning: Do not change advanced control parameters without understanding their impact. Incorrect settings can reduce efficiency or damage the boiler.

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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5
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