Having a smart thermostat isn’t just smart for spending less on heating expenses. It can also let you know if there’s an issue with your furnace.
The Google Nest has a feature called Furnace Heads Up, which will alert you if it detects an issue 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 typical issues is: “Nest noticed that your furnace shuts down within 15 minutes of heating.” Here’s why this is happening and how you can fix 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 switches on for a brief period of time then turns off. This HVAC game of red light, green light prevents your home from heating up and can increase your energy bill. It can also increase wear and tear on your furnace. It may also be more susceptible to breaking down and may even need to be replaced more quickly.
Without Furnace Heads Up, you might not notice your furnace is turning on and off often, because 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 Often
If your air filter is too dirty, it will restrict airflow. Your furnace will then shut down prematurely to prevent overheating. We recommend changing flat filters once a month, and pleated filters every three months. It’s simple to stay on top of replacing your filter by adding a Filter Reminder on your thermostat.
If you’ve changed your filter after getting a Furnace Heads Up alert, you can run a test to see if that repairs the problem.
- Press the ring to pull up the Quick View menu, where you’ll select "settings" and then "equipment."
- The thermostat will display the wires linked to it. Select "continue."
- You’ll see system components displayed. Select "test."
- Choose "Furnace Heads Up" and follow the instructions. Your furnace will run a 15-minute heating check and give you the results when it’s finished.
Google says if the filter is clean or if your furnace didn’t pass the test, something else could be wrong that needs professional help. If this happens, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 303-647-5853 for furnace repair.
Clean or Replace Your Furnace’s Flame Sensor
Having a dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor is another top explanation why your furnace might short cycle. You can tell if there’s a problem by paying attention to your furnace as it turns on. Here’s what to look for.
- Take off the door from your furnace so you can look at 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 depends on the furnace model.
- Once the ignitor is warm enough, the gas will turn on and the burners will light.
- If the flame sensor can’t sense a flame, it’s usually because it’s dirty or malfunctioning. Your furnace will then shut off as a safety measure. If your furnace is short cycling, you'll notice the flame and fan shutting down after a few seconds.
If you’re questioning how flame sensors could get dirty being bathed in fire constantly, a combination of moisture and chemicals in the air form a thin layer of carbon on the surface. Cleaning a dirty flame sensor will stop the short cycling issue. This task 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 damaging it or be able to tell you if you need a new one.
Check Your Furnace’s Exhaust Pipe Frequently
Your high-efficiency furnace vents combustion gases outside through a PVC pipe. This pipe can get clogged by snow or bird nests, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s always clear. If the pipe gets blocked, it can result in your furnace overheating. It could also cause carbon monoxide to flow back into your home, creating a potentially deadly situation.
However, modern furnaces are equipped with a pressure switch that generally will stop these situations from happening. Households with small children will often find their kids have stuffed toy cars, sticks or nuts into the exhaust if it’s in an area that can be reached by tiny hands. Even this little amount is enough to trip the pressure switch. The irregular flow of air into and out of the system trips the pressure switch, which shuts down the burners. If this is the root of your problem, you will experience short cycling and a furnace error code specifying the pressure switch was tripped.
An Expert HVAC technician from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can look up the codes for you and determine the problem. Unfortunately, Nest has not evolved to the point where it can interpret the error codes furnace manufacturers produce, so you will still require 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 knowledge 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 request your appointment, contact us at 303-647-5853 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.