Jayktee, is an anticipator there to stop short-cycling?

Question

..... where the boiler fires frequently, but only for short periods?
Just curious!

Answer 1

I cant add anything to the answer above!! Your boiler could be short cycling for other reasons. A stat with an anticipator could cycle more often, but will keep closer to the set point.

Answer 2

The anticipator is a small heater built into the thermostat that fools the thermostat into thinking that the room has reached temperature before it actually does. It actually turns the furnace off prematurely so that the set temp is not overshot. Improperly adjusted or a faulty anticipator can cause short cycling if it heats to high or has a loose connection causing it to heat in excess. it is intended to aid in maintaining a narrower temperature swing.