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Solved: Nest Noticed Your Furnace Shuts Down Within 15 Minutes of Heating

Using a smart thermostat isn’t just wise for spending less on heating costs. 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 let you know if it detects 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 issues 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 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 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 keep your furnace from short cycling.

Replace Your Air Filter Often

If your air filter is too dirty, it will restrict airflow. Your furnace will then shut down prematurely to avoid overheating. We recommend replacing flat filters once a month, and pleated filters every three months. It’s easy to stay on top of changing your filter by setting up a Filter Reminder on your thermostat.

If you’ve changed 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 choose "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 run 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 awry that requires professional help. If this happens, contact Winnipeg Supply Service Experts at 204-800-0613 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 check 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 have 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 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 switch on and the burners will light.
  • If the flame sensor can’t sense a flame, it’s usually because it’s dirty or defective. 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 Winnipeg Supply Service Experts will be able to clean it without breaking 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 obstructed 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 deadly situation.

However, modern furnaces are equipped with a pressure switch that generally 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 an area that's accessible by tiny hands. Even this small amount is enough to trigger 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 specifying the pressure switch was triggered.

An Expert HVAC technician from Winnipeg Supply 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 receive the message, “Nest noticed that your furnace shuts down within 15 minutes of heating,” you know what to do. At Winnipeg Supply Service Experts, our Experts have the expertise to fix 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 204-800-0613 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.

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