Having a smart thermostat isn’t just wise for spending less on heating expenses. It can also let you know if there’s a problem with your furnace.
The Google Nest has a function called Furnace Heads Up, which will alert you if it detects 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 frequent issues is: “Nest noticed that your furnace shuts down within 15 minutes of heating.” Here’s what's doing on and how you can fix 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 turns on for a brief period of time then turns off. This HVAC game of red light, green light prevents your home from being warm and can drive up your energy bill. It can also increase deterioration 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 frequently, since its blower fan might keep running. This feature can recognize power interruptions that take place during short cycling.
How Do I Keep My Furnace from Short Cycling?
There are a few simple ways you can keep your furnace from short cycling.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
If your air filter is too dirty, it will restrict airflow. Your furnace will then shut down prematurely to avoid overheating. We encourage replacing flat filters once a 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.
- Press 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. Select "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 901-235-1196 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 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 see the burners. If you have a viewport in the furnace door, you may not have to remove the door for this.
- Switch on the furnace by setting the thermostat to a warmer indoor temperature.
- When you switch on the heat, the fan will begin running 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 hot enough, the gas will turn on and the burners will light.
- If the flame sensor can’t detect a flame, it’s usually due to the fact it’s dirty or malfunctioning. Your furnace will then turn off as a safety precaution. If your furnace is short cycling, you'll notice the flame and fan shutting off after a couple of 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 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 it needs to be replaced.
Check Your Furnace’s Exhaust Pipe Frequently
Your high-efficiency furnace exhausts 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 deadly situation.
However, modern furnaces have a pressure switch that generally will stop these situations from occurring. Families 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 little hands. Even this small amount is enough to trigger the pressure switch. The irregular flow of air into and out of the system triggers the pressure switch, which shuts off the burners. If this is the root of your problem, you will encounter short cycling and a furnace error code indicating the pressure switch was tripped.
An Expert HVAC technician from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can check 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 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 stand behind our repairs with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for one year.* To request your appointment, call us at 901-235-1196 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.