The answer to 'why is my water heater short cycling' is that there are several common causes, including a faulty thermostat, sediment buildup, or a problem with the heating element. Short cycling occurs when the water heater turns on and off repeatedly without fully heating the water.
Some key symptoms of short cycling include inconsistent hot water, higher energy bills, and the water heater making more noise than usual. Solutions may involve adjusting the thermostat, flushing the tank to remove sediment, or replacing a worn-out heating element. If the issue persists, it's best to call a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the problem.