Solved: Nest Noticed Your Furnace Shuts Down Within 15 Minutes of Heating
Having a smart thermostat isn’t just wise for spending less on heating costs. It can also let you know if there’s a problem with your furnace.
The Google Nest is equipped with a function called Furnace Heads Up, which will let you know if it senses 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 frequent 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 get 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 switches on for a short period of time then switches off. This HVAC game of red light, green light prevents your home from heating up 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 require replacement sooner.
Without Furnace Heads Up, you might not detect your furnace is turning on and off often, because its blower fan might keep running. This feature can recognize 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 restrict airflow. Your furnace will then shut down prematurely to prevent overheating. We recommend replacing flat filters once a month, and pleated filters every three months. It’s simple to stay on top of changing your filter by setting up 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 repairs 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 linked 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 pass the test, something else could be wrong that needs professional assistance. If this happens, call Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts at 226-773-3357 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 is short cycling. You can determine if there’s a problem by paying attention to your furnace as it turns on. Here’s what to check for.
- Remove 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 turn on first. You should notice it turn on.
- The ignitor will begin 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 turn on and the burners will ignite.
- If the flame sensor can’t sense a flame, it’s usually due to the fact it’s dirty or defective. Your furnace will then turn off as a safety measure. If your furnace is short cycling, you’ll observe the flame and fan shutting down after a couple of 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 because an HVAC professional like Bryant Heating & Cooling 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 Frequently
Your high-efficiency furnace exhausts combustion gases outside 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 plugged, it can result in your furnace overheating. It could also result in carbon monoxide flowing back into your home, creating a potentially life-threatening situation.
However, modern furnaces are equipped with a pressure switch that generally will stop 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 little hands. Even this little amount is enough to trip the pressure switch. The uneven flow of air into and out of the system triggers the pressure switch, which shuts down 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 triggered.
An Expert HVAC technician from Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts 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 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 Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts, our Experts have the knowledge 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, contact us at 226-773-3357 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.