Having a smart thermostat isn’t just smart 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 let you know if it notices a problem with your heating system. You’ll notice the alert on the thermostat, in the app and in your monthly Nest Home report.
One of the most frequent issues 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 get the message “Nest noticed that your furnace shuts down within 15 minutes of heating,” that means your furnace is short cycling. Short cycling is when the furnace switches on for a short period of time then switches off. This HVAC game of red light, green light stops your home from being warm and can drive up 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 require replacement sooner.
Without Furnace Heads Up, you might not notice your furnace is turning on and off often, because its blower fan might keep running. This feature can pick up on power interruptions that happen during short cycling.
How Do I Keep My Furnace from Short Cycling?
There are a few simple ways you can prevent your furnace from short cycling.
Replace Your Air Filter Often
If your air filter is too dirty, it will restrict airflow. Your furnace will then shut off prematurely to avoid overheating. We encourage changing 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 changed your filter after receiving a Furnace Heads Up alert, you can do a test to see if that fixes the problem.
- Press the ring to pull up the Quick View menu, where you’ll choose "settings" and then "equipment."
- The thermostat will display the wires connected to it. Select "continue."
- You’ll see system components displayed. Hit "test."
- Select "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 requires professional help. If this happens, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 919-578-4329 for furnace repair.
Clean or Replace Your Furnace’s Flame Sensor
Having a dirty or bad flame sensor is another top reason why your furnace is short cycling. You can determine if there’s a problem by paying attention to your furnace as it turns on. Here’s what to check 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 begin running first. You should notice it turn on.
- The ignitor will begin 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 hot enough, the gas will switch on and the burners will ignite.
- If the flame sensor can’t sense a flame, it’s usually because it’s dirty or defective. Your furnace will then turn off as a safety precaution. If your furnace is short cycling, you'll observe the flame and fan shutting off after a few seconds.
If you’re questioning how flame sensors could get dirty being bathed in fire constantly, a blend 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 problem. This task is best left to an Expert. That's due to the fact 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 Often
Your high-efficiency furnace vents combustion gases outdoors through a PVC pipe. This pipe can get obstructed by snow or bird nests, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s always clear. If the pipe gets clogged, it can cause your furnace to overheat. 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 typically will stop these situations from occurring. Households 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 little hands. Even this little 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 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 developed to the point where it can interpret the error codes furnace manufacturers create, so you will still require a pro to assist you.
Let the Experts Handle Your Short Cycling Furnace
If you get 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 stand behind our repairs with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for one year.* To request your appointment, call us at 919-578-4329 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.