Is your furnace acting up? A quick reset might be just what you need to get your heating back on track. Resetting a furnace is a simple fix for many common issues. You can often reset your furnace by turning off the power, checking basic components, and then restoring power after a short wait.
Knowing how to reset your furnace can save you time and money on unnecessary service calls. The process is straightforward and safe when done correctly. It’s a useful skill for any homeowner to have in their toolkit.
Before you begin, it’s important to understand that different types of furnaces may have slightly different reset procedures. Electric furnaces often have a reset button on the blower motor, while oil furnaces typically have a reset button in the blower compartment. Gas furnaces may require you to relight the pilot light. Let’s walk through the steps to get your home warm and cozy again.
What Is The Furnace Reset Button?
The furnace reset button is a safety feature that helps restart your heating system when it shuts off due to a problem. This small button can save you from costly repairs or service calls.
Where Is The Reset Button On Your Furnace?
The furnace reset button is usually found inside the blower compartment. To find it:
- Turn off power to the furnace at the circuit breaker.
- Remove the access panel covering the blower compartment.
- Look for a small red or yellow button on the side of the blower motor.
Some furnaces have the reset button near the burner assembly or on the control panel. If you can’t find it, check your furnace manual or contact a professional.
How Does The Furnace Reset Button Work?
The reset button acts as a circuit breaker for your furnace. When it detects a problem, it cuts power to prevent damage. Here’s how it functions:
- It monitors the furnace for issues like overheating or electrical problems.
- If a problem is detected, it shuts off the furnace.
- Pressing the button restores power and attempts to restart the system.
The button may pop out when tripped, making it easy to spot. Remember, you should only need to press it once. If it keeps tripping, there’s likely a bigger issue.
Why Would You Need To Press The Reset Button?
You might need to use the reset button if your furnace stops working suddenly. Common reasons include:
- Power surges or outages
- Overheating due to a clogged filter
- Faulty flame sensor
- Ignition problems
Pressing the reset button can often solve these minor issues. But be careful – if you find yourself pressing it often, it’s time to call a professional. Frequent resets can point to serious problems that need expert attention.
Remember, safety first. Always turn off the power before opening your furnace. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s best to contact a qualified technician.
How To Reset A Furnace: Step-By-Step Guide
Resetting your furnace can often fix minor issues and get your heating system running again. The process differs slightly for gas and electric furnaces, but both are simple tasks you can do yourself.
Steps To Reset Your Gas Furnace
First, turn off the power to your furnace. Look for a switch on or near the unit. If there’s no switch, turn off the breaker in your electrical panel.
Wait about 30 seconds, then turn the power back on. This gives the system time to clear any errors.
Next, find the pilot light. If it’s out, relight it following your furnace’s instructions.
Locate the reset button. It’s usually red and found near the blower motor or behind a small panel. Press and hold it for about 30 seconds.
Turn your thermostat to “heat” and set it a few degrees higher than the room temperature. Wait for your furnace to start up.
Steps To Reset Your Electric Furnace
Start by turning off your furnace at the breaker box. Wait for 30 seconds to 1 minute before switching it back on.
Find the reset button on your furnace. It’s often inside the blower compartment. Press and hold it for about 30 seconds.
Go to your thermostat and set it to “heat.” Raise the temperature a few degrees above the current room temperature.
Listen for your furnace to start up. It may take a few minutes. If you hear it running, you’ve successfully reset your electric furnace.
What To Do If The Reset Button Doesn’t Work
If pressing the reset button doesn’t work, try these steps:
Check your air filter. A dirty filter can cause your furnace to shut down. Replace it if it’s clogged.
Look at your circuit breaker. If it’s tripped, reset it. If it keeps tripping, you may have an electrical issue.
Inspect your thermostat. Make sure it’s set to “heat” and the temperature is high enough to trigger the furnace.
If these steps don’t help, it’s time to call a professional. There might be a more serious issue with your furnace that needs expert attention.
When Should You Reset Your Furnace?
Resetting your furnace can fix some common issues. Knowing when to do it helps keep your home warm and comfortable.
Signs That Indicate Your Furnace May Need A Reset
Your furnace might need a reset if it’s not turning on or blowing cold air. Watch for these signs:
- The furnace won’t start at all
- It starts but shuts off quickly
- There’s no heat coming from the vents
- You hear strange noises from the unit
- The blower runs constantly
If you see these issues, try a reset. It’s a simple step that can often solve the problem.
Can A Power Outage Cause You To Need To Reset Your Furnace?
Yes, power outages can affect your furnace. After the power comes back on, your furnace may need a reset. Here’s why:
- Power surges can trip safety switches
- Electronic controls might get scrambled
- The furnace’s memory could be wiped clean
To reset after an outage, turn off your furnace for 30 seconds. Then turn it back on. This simple action often gets things running again.
How Often Should You Reset Your Furnace?
You shouldn’t need to reset your furnace often. If you’re doing it more than once during the heating season, there might be a bigger problem. Here are some guidelines:
- Reset only when needed, not as regular maintenance
- If resetting works but issues come back, call a pro
- Frequent resets could mean worn parts or electrical problems
Remember, resetting is a short-term fix. If you’re doing it a lot, get your furnace checked by a professional. They can find and fix the root cause of the problem.
Common Issues That Require A Furnace Reset
Furnaces may need resetting due to various problems. Power outages, ignition failures, and safety switch activations are frequent reasons for resetting your heating system.
Why Your Furnace Isn’t Working After A Power Outage
Power outages can disrupt your furnace’s operation. When electricity returns, your furnace might not start up on its own. This happens because the control board may need to be reset.
To fix this:
- Locate your furnace’s power switch
- Turn it off for 30 seconds
- Turn it back on
If your furnace still doesn’t work, check your circuit breaker. It might have tripped during the outage. Reset any tripped breakers and try again.
Some furnaces have a reset button inside the unit. You may need to press this if the above steps don’t work.
What To Check If Your Furnace Won’t Turn On
When your furnace refuses to start, several issues could be at play. First, make sure the thermostat is set correctly and has working batteries.
Next, check if the furnace is getting power. Look at the furnace switch – it should be in the “on” position. Also, inspect your circuit breaker panel for any tripped switches.
If these checks don’t solve the problem, look at your furnace’s air filter. A clogged filter can cause the system to shut down. Replace it if it’s dirty.
Lastly, ensure all access panels are properly closed. Many furnaces have safety switches that prevent operation when panels are open.
How To Troubleshoot Your Furnace Before Resetting
Before you reset your furnace, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check the gas supply if you have a gas furnace. Make sure the gas valve is open.
- Look for any blinking lights on your furnace. These can indicate specific issues. Consult your manual for what different blink patterns mean.
- Listen for unusual noises when the furnace tries to start. Clicking sounds might mean ignition problems.
- Feel the air coming from your vents. If it’s cool when it should be warm, your furnace might not be heating properly.
Differences Between Gas And Electric Furnace Reset Procedures
Gas and electric furnaces have unique reset steps. The type of furnace affects how you restart it and where to find the reset button.
How To Reset A Gas Furnace
To reset a gas furnace, start by turning off the power. Find the main switch or circuit breaker and flip it off. Wait for 30 seconds. This helps clear any errors.
Next, check the pilot light. If it’s out, you’ll need to relight it. Follow your furnace’s manual for safe relighting steps.
Turn the gas back on if you shut it off. Flip the power switch back on. Look for the reset button. It’s often red and located inside the blower compartment. Press and hold it for about 30 seconds.
Set your thermostat to “heat” and pick a temperature. Wait for your furnace to start up.
How To Reset An Electric Furnace
Electric furnace resets are simpler. First, turn off the power at the breaker. Wait for a few minutes.
Find the reset button. It’s usually near the blower motor. Open the access panel to spot it.
Press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. Turn the power back on at the breaker.
Adjust your thermostat settings. Set it to “heat” and choose a temperature above the current room temp.
Give your furnace time to start up. It might take a few minutes to begin heating.
Are The Reset Buttons Different For Gas And Electric Furnaces?
Yes, reset buttons can differ between gas and electric furnaces. Gas furnaces often have a flame sensor reset. This is separate from the main reset button.
Electric furnaces typically have one main reset button. It’s often easier to find and use.
Both types may have a limit switch reset. This safety feature stops the furnace if it gets too hot.
Always check your furnace manual. It will show the exact location and type of reset buttons for your model.
What To Do After Resetting Your Furnace
After resetting your furnace, it’s important to monitor its performance, know when professional help is needed, and take steps to prevent future issues. These actions will help ensure your heating system runs smoothly and efficiently.
How To Monitor Your Furnace After A Reset
Keep a close eye on your furnace in the hours following a reset. Check if it turns on and off normally. Listen for any strange noises like banging, whistling, or rumbling. These could signal problems.
Feel the air coming from your vents. It should be warm and consistent. If it’s cool or the airflow seems weak, there may be an issue.
Watch your thermostat. The temperature should match the setting. If your home isn’t warming up as expected, your furnace might not be working properly.
Pay attention to your energy bills. A sudden spike could mean your furnace is working harder than it should.
When To Call A Furnace Repair Service
If your furnace keeps shutting off after resets, it’s time to call a pro. Don’t keep hitting the reset button, as this could damage your system.
Other signs you need expert help:
- Unusual smells, especially a gas odor
- Loud or strange noises
- Yellow pilot light instead of blue
- Frequent cycling on and off
- Visible damage to the furnace
Cold spots in your home or uneven heating are also red flags. These issues often need a trained eye to diagnose and fix safely.
Routine Maintenance Tips To Prevent Future Issues
Regular upkeep can help avoid the need for frequent resets. Change your air filter every 1-3 months. A clean filter improves airflow and reduces strain on your system.
Keep the area around your furnace clear. Remove any items stored nearby to prevent fire hazards and allow proper airflow.
Schedule yearly professional inspections. A technician can spot and fix small problems before they become big ones.
Clean your vents and ducts. This improves air quality and helps your furnace work more efficiently.
Check your thermostat batteries yearly. A faulty thermostat can cause your furnace to malfunction.
Lubricate moving parts as needed. This reduces wear and tear on your furnace’s motor and blower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resetting your furnace can solve many common heating issues. Here are answers to some key questions about resetting different furnace components.
What steps should I follow to reset the blower on my furnace?
To reset the furnace blower:
- If the blower doesn’t start, press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds.
- Turn off power to the furnace at the circuit breaker.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Restore power.
How can I reset the filter indicator on my furnace?
To reset a furnace filter indicator:
- Press and hold for 3-5 seconds until the indicator light turns off.
- Replace the dirty air filter with a clean one.
- Locate the reset button near the filter housing.
Can you explain the process of restarting a furnace pilot light?
To relight a furnace pilot light:
- Once lit, release the button and turn the valve to “On.”
- Turn the gas valve to “Off” and wait 5 minutes.
- Switch to “Pilot” and press the reset button.
- Hold a lighter to the pilot opening while pressing the button.
What is the procedure to reset a furnace thermostat?
To reset your furnace thermostat:
- Replace batteries and cover, then restore power.
- Turn off power to the furnace.
- Remove the thermostat cover.
- Take out the batteries (if applicable).
- Press and hold the reset button for 5-10 seconds.
How does one go about resetting an electric furnace?
To reset an electric furnace:
- Set the thermostat to “Heat” and your desired temperature.
- Switch off the furnace at the circuit breaker.
- Wait 5 minutes for the capacitors to discharge.
- Turn the breaker back on.
