Solved: Nest Noticed Your Furnace Shuts Down Within 15 Minutes of Heating
Having a smart thermostat isn’t just smart for spending less 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 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 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,” 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 prevents 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 notice your furnace is turning on and off often, because its blower fan might keep running. 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 prevent your furnace from short cycling.
Replace Your Air Filter Often
If your air filter is too dirty, it will limit 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 easy to stay on top of replacing your filter by adding a Filter Reminder on your thermostat.
If you’ve replaced your filter after getting a Furnace Heads Up alert, you can do a test to see if that fixes the problem.
- Push the ring to bring up the Quick View menu, where you’ll select “settings” and then “equipment.”
- The thermostat will display the wires linked to it. Choose “continue.”
- You’ll see system components shown. Hit “test.”
- Select “Furnace Heads Up” and follow the instructions. Your furnace will run a 15-minute heating test and tell 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 requires professional help. If this happens, call A1 Chesney Service Experts at 587-315-5271 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 determine if there’s a problem by paying attention to your furnace as it starts up. Here’s what to look for.
- Take off the door from your furnace so you can look at 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 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 sense a flame, it’s usually due to the fact 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 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 task is best left to an Expert. That’s due to the fact an HVAC professional like A1 Chesney Service Experts 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 exhausts combustion gases outside 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 plugged, it can result in your furnace overheating. 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 typically will stop these situations from happening. Families 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 little amount is enough to trip 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 experience short cycling and a furnace error code indicating the pressure switch was tripped.
An Expert HVAC technician from A1 Chesney Service Experts can look up the codes for you and diagnose the problem. Unfortunately, Nest has not developed to the point where it can interpret the error codes furnace manufacturers produce, so you will still require 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 A1 Chesney Service Experts, 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 book your appointment, contact us at 587-315-5271 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.
