What is the primary purpose of the heat anticipator?

The primary purpose of the heat anticipator is to prevent short cycling in heating systems. Short cycling refers to the system turning on and off too frequently, which can occur when the thermostat senses temperature changes too soon. The anticipator acts by allowing the system to run just a little longer after the thermostat has shut it off, effectively smoothing out temperature fluctuations. This not only helps to maintain a more consistent room temperature but also reduces wear and tear on the equipment, as frequent cycling can lead to premature failure of components.

As for the other options, while preventing overheating, improving fuel efficiency, and enhancing airflow can be important considerations in the overall functionality and operation of heating systems, they are not the primary role of the heat anticipator. The anticipator focuses specifically on regulating the operation of the heating system to ensure it runs efficiently and effectively without unnecessary interruptions.