Having a smart thermostat isn’t just smart for saving on heating expenses. It can also alert you if there’s a problem with your furnace.
The Google Nest has a feature called Furnace Heads Up, which will alert you if it senses an issue with your heating system. You’ll see the alert 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 what's doing on 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 switches off. This HVAC game of red light, green light stops your home from being warm and can increase your energy bill. It can also increase wear and tear on your furnace. It may also be more likely to break down and may even require replacement 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 pick up on power interruptions that occur 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 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 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 changed 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 select "settings" and then "equipment."
- The thermostat will show the wires connected to it. Choose "continue."
- You’ll see system components displayed. Select "test."
- Choose "Furnace Heads Up" and follow the instructions. Your furnace will go through a 15-minute heating check and give 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 wrong that needs professional help. If this happens, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 303-647-5749 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 is short cycling. 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 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 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 depends on 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 detect a flame, it’s usually due to the fact it’s dirty or malfunctioning. Your furnace will then shut off as a safety precaution. If your furnace is short cycling, you'll notice 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 combination 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 due to the fact 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 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 clogged, it can result in your furnace overheating. 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 generally will stop these situations from happening. 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's accessible by little 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 off the burners. If this is the root of your problem, you will encounter short cycling and a furnace error code specifying the pressure switch was tripped.
An Expert HVAC technician from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can check the codes for you and diagnose the problem. Unfortunately, Nest has not evolved to the point where it can read 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 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 303-647-5749 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.