Using a smart thermostat isn’t just smart for spending less on heating expenses. It can also alert you if there’s a problem with your furnace.
The Google Nest is equipped with a feature called Furnace Heads Up, which will alert you if it notices 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 typical problems 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 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 increase your energy bill. It can also increase deterioration on your furnace. It may also be more susceptible to breaking down and may even require replacement more quickly.
Without Furnace Heads Up, you might not detect your furnace is turning on and off frequently, since its blower fan might keep going. This feature can detect power interruptions that happen during short cycling.
How Do I Keep My Furnace from Short Cycling?
There are a few easy ways you can prevent your furnace from short cycling.
Change Your Air Filter Often
If your air filter is too dirty, it will limit 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 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 run 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. Select "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 give 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 needs professional assistance. If this happens, contact San Antonio Air Service Experts at 210-570-9705 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 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.
- Switch on the furnace by setting the thermostat to a warmer indoor temperature.
- When you turn on the heat, the fan will turn on first. You should hear 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 warm enough, the gas will switch on and the burners will light.
- If the flame sensor can’t detect a flame, it’s usually because 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 wondering how flame sensors could get dirty being bathed in fire continuously, a combination of moisture and chemicals in the air form a thin coating 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 San Antonio Air 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 vents combustion gases outdoors through a PVC pipe. This pipe can get clogged by snow or bird nests, so you’ll want to make sure 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 life-threatening situation.
However, modern furnaces are equipped with a pressure switch that typically will prevent these situations from happening. Households with small children will often find their kids have jammed toy cars, sticks or nuts into the exhaust if it’s in a location that's accessible by tiny hands. Even this little 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 San Antonio Air 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 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 San Antonio Air Service Experts, our Experts have the knowledge 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, contact us at 210-570-9705 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.