Using a smart thermostat isn’t just wise for saving on heating expenses. It can also alert you if there’s an issue with your furnace.
The Google Nest has a function called Furnace Heads Up, which will alert you if it notices a problem with your heating system. You’ll notice the warning on the thermostat, in the app and in your monthly Nest Home report.
One of the most common problems is: “Nest noticed that your furnace shuts down within 15 minutes of heating.” Here’s why this is happening and how you can correct it.
Your Furnace is Short Cycling
When you see the message “Nest noticed that your furnace shuts down within 15 minutes of heating,” it's saying your furnace is short cycling. Short cycling is when the furnace turns on for a brief period of time then turns off. This HVAC game of red light, green light stops your home from heating up and can increase your energy bill. It can also increase deterioration on your furnace. It may also be more likely to break down and may even need to be replaced sooner.
Without Furnace Heads Up, you might not detect your furnace is turning on and off often, since its blower fan might keep going. This feature can recognize power interruptions that occur during short cycling.
How Do I Keep My Furnace from Short Cycling?
There are a few easy ways you can prevent your furnace from short cycling.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
If your air filter is too dirty, it will limit airflow. Your furnace will then shut off prematurely to avoid overheating. We recommend replacing flat filters every month, and pleated filters every three months. It’s easy to stay on top of changing your filter by setting up a Filter Reminder on your thermostat.
If you’ve replaced your filter after receiving a Furnace Heads Up alert, you can run a test to see if that repairs the problem.
- Push the ring to bring up the Quick View menu, where you’ll choose "settings" and then "equipment."
- The thermostat will display the wires linked to it. Select "continue."
- You’ll see system components displayed. Hit "test."
- Choose "Furnace Heads Up" and follow the instructions. Your furnace will go through a 15-minute heating check and tell you the results when it’s done.
Google says if the filter is clean or if your furnace didn’t pass the test, something else could be awry that needs professional assistance. If this happens, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 866-397-3787 for furnace repair.
Clean or Replace Your Furnace’s Flame Sensor
Having a dirty or bad flame sensor is another top explanation why your furnace might short cycle. You can determine if there’s a problem by watching your furnace as it turns on. Here’s what to look for.
- Take off the door from your furnace so you can see the burners. If you have a viewport in the furnace door, you may not need to remove the door for this.
- Turn on the furnace by setting the thermostat to a warmer indoor temperature.
- When you turn on the heat, the fan will turn on first. You should hear it turn on.
- The ignitor will start to glow. The ignitor is either on the left or right of the burners, but it varies according to the furnace model.
- Once the ignitor is warm enough, the gas will switch on and the burners will ignite.
- If the flame sensor can’t detect a flame, it’s usually because it’s dirty or faulty. Your furnace will then shut off as a safety precaution. If your furnace is short cycling, you'll observe the flame and fan shutting down after a few seconds.
If you’re wondering how flame sensors could get dirty being bathed in fire continuously, a combination of moisture and chemicals in the air form a thin coating of carbon on the surface. Cleaning a dirty flame sensor will stop the short cycling issue. This job is best left to an Expert. That's because an HVAC professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning will be able to clean it without breaking it or be able to tell you if you need a new one.
Check Your Furnace’s Exhaust Pipe Often
Your high-efficiency furnace vents combustion gases outside through a PVC pipe. This pipe can get blocked by snow or bird nests, so you’ll want to make sure it’s always clear. If the pipe gets plugged, it can result in your furnace overheating. It could also result in carbon monoxide flowing back into your home, creating a potentially deadly situation.
However, modern furnaces have a pressure switch that generally will stop these situations from happening. Families with young children will often find their kids have stuffed toy cars, sticks or nuts into the exhaust if it’s in a location that can be reached by tiny hands. Even this small amount is enough to trigger the pressure switch. The uneven flow of air into and out of the system trips the pressure switch, which shuts off the burners. If this is the underlying cause of your problem, you will encounter short cycling and a furnace error code specifying the pressure switch was triggered.
An Expert HVAC technician from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can check the codes for you and diagnose the problem. Unfortunately, Nest has not developed to the point where it can interpret the error codes furnace manufacturers produce, so you will still need a pro to assist you.
Let the Experts Solve Your Short Cycling Furnace
If you receive the message, “Nest noticed that your furnace shuts down within 15 minutes of heating,” you know what to do. At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, our Experts have the expertise to resolve any furnace problem quickly and affordably. What’s even better is that we back our repairs with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for one year.* To book your appointment, contact us at 866-397-3787 or schedule online.
*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.