Using a smart thermostat isn’t just smart for saving on heating costs. It can also let you know if there’s a problem 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 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 get 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 short period of time then turns off. This HVAC game of red light, green light stops your home from heating up and can drive up 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 more quickly.
Without Furnace Heads Up, you might not detect your furnace is turning on and off often, because its blower fan might keep going. This feature can recognize power interruptions that happen during short cycling.
How Do I Keep My Furnace from Short Cycling?
There are a few easy ways you can keep 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 early to prevent overheating. We encourage replacing flat filters every month, and pleated filters every three months. It’s simple to stay on top of replacing 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 do a test to see if that fixes the problem.
- Push the ring to pull up the Quick View menu, where you’ll select "settings" and then "equipment."
- The thermostat will display the wires connected to it. Choose "continue."
- You’ll see system components displayed. Hit "test."
- Select "Furnace Heads Up" and follow the instructions. Your furnace will run a 15-minute heating check and tell you the results when it’s finished.
Google says if the filter is clean or if your furnace didn’t clear the test, something else could be wrong that requires professional assistance. If this happens, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 239-908-6991 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 tell if there’s a problem by paying attention to your furnace as it starts up. Here’s what to check 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 higher indoor temperature.
- When you turn on the heat, the fan will begin running first. You should notice 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 light.
- If the flame sensor can’t sense a flame, it’s usually because it’s dirty or faulty. 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 wondering 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 end the short cycling problem. 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 damaging it or be able to tell you if it needs to be replaced.
Check Your Furnace’s Exhaust Pipe Frequently
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 blocked, it can cause your furnace to overheat. It could also cause carbon monoxide to flow back into your home, creating a potentially fatal situation.
However, modern furnaces are equipped with a pressure switch that typically will prevent these situations from occurring. Families with young children will often find their kids have stuffed toy cars, sticks or nuts into the exhaust if it’s in an area that's accessible 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 triggers the pressure switch, which shuts down 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 look up the codes for you and determine the problem. Unfortunately, Nest has not evolved to the point where it can read the error codes furnace manufacturers create, so you will still need 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 expertise to fix 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 239-908-6991 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.