Ecobee Short Cycling Due to Thresholds or Equipment Issues

Thermostat short cycles the HVAC system (frequent on/off every few minutes)

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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

Heat/cool differential set too tight, Minimum runtime settings too low, Oversized HVAC equipment, Faulty limit or pressure switch in furnace causing premature shutdown

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Software changes are safe; equipment diagnosis beyond basic checks should be done with power off and may require a technician.

  • Step 1 – Adjust temperature differential: In Installation Settings > Thresholds, increase the heat and cool differentials slightly (e.g., from 0.5°F to 1°F).
  • Step 2 – Increase minimum runtimes: Set minimum on-time and minimum off-time to reduce rapid cycling.
  • Step 3 – Check filter and airflow: A clogged filter can cause overheating and limit trips. Replace the filter and ensure vents are open.
  • Step 4 – Observe furnace error codes: If the furnace shuts down with error codes, a safety device may be tripping and requires professional diagnosis.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5
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