Furnace cycles often

[ddd470]

I just bought a new home. We just had to finally turn on the heat and I notice that the furnace cycles a lot. It will run for 5 minites, shut off for 5 mins, run for 5 mins, shut off for 5 mins, etc. This seems like a lot of wear and tear on the furnace, not to mention seeming to be lacking in energy efficiency.

I am thinking about replacing the thermostat. It is a Honeywell programmable, but I do not know the model. The house was built in 1997 and is well insulated, plus I had the house inspected and I am having the furnace and A/C serviced in two weeks.

I am curious if the thermostat is the problem or could there be something else? Should I wait and have the technician look at the furnace before I go through with changing the thermostat?

Thanks for your help!

[HayZee518]

Is this oil or gas furnace? In any case the heat anticipator should be set to the current rating of the main valve [gas] or the current rating of the burner relay [oil]
the heat anticipator anticipates when the room temperature approaches the set point of the stat and shuts down the burner. setting anticipator above or below the current rating will either lengthen or shorten the cycle time of the furnace.

[Java_Bob]

i have seen limit (snap switch) do the same thing

[Klaatu]

I agree with Bob. Check your limit switches.

[ddd470]

Thank you for your suggestions. I will check those out.