Using 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 notices an issue 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 common 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,” 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 sooner.
Without Furnace Heads Up, you might not detect your furnace is turning on and off frequently, because its blower fan might keep going. This feature can detect power interruptions that take place 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.
Replace Your Air Filter Regularly
If your air filter is too dirty, it will restrict airflow. Your furnace will then shut off prematurely to avoid 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 adding 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 repairs the problem.
- Push the ring to pull up the Quick View menu, where you’ll choose "settings" and then "equipment."
- The thermostat will display the wires linked 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 pass the test, something else could be wrong that needs professional assistance. If this happens, call Neal Harris Service Experts at 816-787-0500 for furnace repair.
Clean or Replace Your Furnace’s Flame Sensor
Having a dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor is another top reason why your furnace might short cycle. You can determine if there’s a problem by paying attention to your furnace as it starts up. Here’s what to check for.
- Remove 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 higher 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 switch on and the burners will ignite.
- If the flame sensor can’t sense a flame, it’s usually because it’s dirty or faulty. Your furnace will then shut off as a safety precaution. If your furnace is short cycling, you'll observe the flame and fan shutting down 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 end the short cycling issue. This task is best left to an Expert. That's due to the fact an HVAC professional like Neal Harris Service Experts 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 exhausts combustion gases outdoors 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 cause your furnace to overheat. It could also cause carbon monoxide to flow back into your home, creating a potentially life-threatening situation.
However, modern furnaces have a pressure switch that generally will stop these situations from occurring. Households with young children will often find their kids have jammed 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 uneven flow of air into and out of the system triggers the pressure switch, which shuts off 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 Neal Harris Service Experts can check the codes for you and determine the problem. Unfortunately, Nest has not developed to the point where it can read the error codes furnace manufacturers produce, so you will still need a pro to help you out.
Let the Experts Solve 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 Neal Harris Service Experts, our Experts have the expertise 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 book your appointment, call us at 816-787-0500 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.