How to Reset Your Furnace Safely
To reset your furnace safely, first turn off the power at the furnace switch or circuit breaker. Wait 30 seconds for the electrical charge to dissipate. Locate the reset button (usually a red button near the motor or blower) and press it firmly. Turn the power back on and set your thermostat to heat. Wait for your furnace to complete a full heating cycle to confirm it’s working properly. If your furnace doesn’t restart after resetting, or if it keeps shutting down, you may need to call a professional technician to diagnose deeper issues.
Table of Contents
| Common Reasons to Reset Your Furnace | Safety Precautions |
|---|---|
| Power outage or electrical surge | Always turn off power before resetting |
| Overheating | Let furnace cool down completely |
| Tripped circuit breaker | Check for electrical issues first |
| Dirty filters causing shutdown | Replace filters before resetting |
| Flame sensor issues | Ensure gas is turned off if applicable |
Why You Might Need to Reset Your Furnace
Your furnace might need a reset for several reasons. Understanding these reasons can help you decide if a simple reset will fix the problem.
- Power outages are a common reason to reset your furnace. When the power goes out and comes back on, your furnace might not restart on its own.
- Overheating is another common issue. Furnaces have safety features that shut them down if they get too hot. After cooling down, they often need a reset to start working again.
- A tripped circuit breaker can also cause your furnace to stop working. This happens when the furnace draws too much power or there’s an electrical problem.
- Dirty air filters can make your furnace work harder than it should. This extra strain might cause it to shut down as a safety measure.
- Sometimes the flame sensor gets dirty and can’t detect if the furnace is lit. This safety feature prevents gas from flowing when there’s no flame.
Safety Precautions Before Resetting Your Furnace
Safety should always come first when you reset your furnace. Taking proper precautions protects both you and your heating system.
Turn Off Power
Always turn off the power to your furnace before attempting to reset it. You can do this at the furnace switch (usually looks like a light switch on or near the furnace) or at your home’s circuit breaker panel.
This step prevents electrical shocks and protects the furnace components from damage during the reset process.
Check for Gas Leaks
If you have a gas furnace, make sure you don’t smell gas before proceeding. If you detect a gas smell (like rotten eggs), leave your home immediately and call your gas company from a safe location.
Never try to reset your furnace if you suspect a gas leak. This could create a dangerous situation.
Let the Furnace Cool
If your furnace shut down because it overheated, give it time to cool down completely before resetting. Trying to reset an overheated furnace too soon could damage it further.
Wait at least 30 minutes after shutdown before attempting a reset. This gives internal components enough time to cool down properly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reset Your Furnace
Follow these simple steps to reset your furnace safely and effectively. This process works for most furnace models, though some details may vary.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Find the power switch for your furnace. It usually looks like a regular light switch and is located on or near the furnace. Flip this switch to the “Off” position.
For extra safety, you can also turn off the furnace’s circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel. This ensures no power is flowing to the unit.
Wait about 30 seconds after turning off the power. This allows any stored electrical charge to dissipate completely.
Step 2: Locate the Reset Button
Most furnaces have a reset button somewhere on the unit. This button is typically red and may be labeled “Reset” or “Restart.”
Common locations for the reset button include:
- Near the motor housing
- On the blower motor
- Inside the blower compartment
- On the control board
If you can’t find the reset button, check your furnace’s user manual. You can usually find a digital copy online by searching for your furnace’s make and model.
Step 3: Press the Reset Button
Once you’ve found the reset button, press it firmly and hold it for about 30 seconds. Some buttons need to be held down longer than others.
You might hear a click when you press the button. This is normal and indicates the reset process has begun.
If the button pops back out immediately after pressing it, wait a few minutes and try again. This sometimes happens when the furnace hasn’t cooled down enough.
Step 4: Restore Power
After pressing the reset button, turn the furnace power switch back to the “On” position. If you turned off the circuit breaker, flip that back on too.
Wait a few minutes for the furnace to power up completely. Modern furnaces have startup sequences that take a little time to complete.
Step 5: Set Your Thermostat
Go to your thermostat and set it to “Heat” mode. Make sure the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature so the furnace will turn on.
Some thermostats may need to be reset as well. Check your thermostat manual if you’re unsure how to do this.
Step 6: Verify Operation
Wait for your furnace to complete a full heating cycle. This confirms that the reset was successful and your furnace is working properly.
Listen for any unusual noises during startup and operation. Normal furnace sounds include gentle humming and the sound of air moving through vents.
Feel the air coming from your vents to make sure it’s warm. It may take a few minutes for the air to heat up after the furnace starts.
Common Issues When Resetting Your Furnace
Sometimes you might encounter problems when trying to reset your furnace. Here are some common issues and how to address them.
Furnace Won’t Reset
If your furnace won’t reset or keeps shutting down after resetting, there might be a more serious problem. Check if your air filters are dirty and replace them if needed.
Make sure all access panels are properly closed. Many furnaces have safety switches that prevent operation when panels are open.
Verify that your thermostat is working correctly. Try changing the batteries if it’s battery-powered.
Reset Button Keeps Tripping
If the reset button keeps tripping after you press it, this indicates a recurring problem. This could be due to overheating, electrical issues, or a faulty component.
Check for blocked air vents or registers in your home. Restricted airflow can cause your furnace to overheat. Look at your air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow and makes your furnace work harder, which can cause it to overheat and shut down.
Furnace Makes Unusual Noises
If you hear unusual noises after resetting your furnace, turn it off immediately. Strange sounds like banging, scraping, or squealing usually indicate mechanical problems.
A clicking sound that repeats without the furnace starting could mean ignition problems. This is common in gas furnaces with electronic ignition systems.
Rumbling noises might indicate dirty burners or combustion problems in gas furnaces. These issues require professional attention.
When to Call a Professional
While resetting your furnace can fix many simple problems, some situations require professional help. Knowing when to call a technician can save you time and prevent further damage.
Call a professional if:
- Your furnace won’t reset or keeps shutting down after multiple reset attempts
- You smell gas at any point during the reset process
- The furnace makes unusual noises after resetting
- Your carbon monoxide detector goes off
- The furnace blows cold air even after a successful reset
- You notice electrical problems like sparks or burning smells
Professional technicians have the training and tools to safely diagnose and fix complex furnace problems. They can also perform maintenance to prevent future issues.
Preventive Maintenance to Avoid Frequent Resets
Regular maintenance can help prevent situations where you need to reset your furnace. These simple steps can keep your heating system running smoothly.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
Dirty air filters are a leading cause of furnace problems. They restrict airflow, making your furnace work harder and potentially overheat.
Check your filters monthly during heavy use seasons. Replace them when they look dirty or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (typically every 1-3 months).
Consider using higher-quality filters if you have pets or allergies. Just make sure they’re compatible with your furnace model.
Keep Vents and Returns Clear
Make sure all vents and returns in your home are open and unblocked. Furniture, curtains, and rugs can restrict airflow when placed over vents.
Check outside exhaust vents for blockages like leaves, snow, or animal nests. Blocked exhaust vents can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance
Have your furnace inspected and tuned up by a professional once a year, preferably before the heating season begins. This can catch potential problems before they cause shutdowns.
Professional maintenance typically includes:
- Cleaning burners and heat exchangers
- Checking electrical connections
- Lubricating moving parts
- Testing safety controls
- Inspecting the flue system
Regular maintenance not only prevents breakdowns but can also extend the life of your furnace and improve its efficiency.
Different Types of Furnaces and Reset Procedures
Different types of furnaces may have slightly different reset procedures. Understanding your specific type can help you reset it correctly.
Gas Furnaces
Gas furnaces typically have a reset button on the control board or near the blower motor. Some models may have a separate reset for the flame sensor or ignition system.
When resetting a gas furnace, always make sure the gas supply is on after completing the reset. Some models may need you to relight the pilot light (in older systems).
Modern gas furnaces with electronic ignition don’t need pilot light relighting. They’ll attempt to ignite automatically when the thermostat calls for heat.
Electric Furnaces
Electric furnaces usually have a reset button near the heating elements or on the control panel. Some may have multiple reset buttons for different heating stages.
These furnaces don’t have gas components, so there’s no need to worry about gas supply or pilot lights when resetting them.
After resetting an electric furnace, it may take longer to feel warm air from the vents. This is normal, as electric heating elements take time to reach full temperature.
Oil Furnaces
Oil furnaces typically have a reset button on the burner assembly. This button is often larger than those found on other furnace types.
When resetting an oil furnace, you should only press the reset button once. Pressing it multiple times can flood the combustion chamber with oil, creating a hazardous situation.
Wait at least 30 minutes before attempting a second reset on an oil furnace. This gives any excess oil time to dissipate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I need to reset my furnace?
You shouldn’t need to reset your furnace often. If you find yourself resetting it more than once or twice a heating season, there’s likely an underlying problem that needs professional attention. Frequent resets indicate that your furnace is experiencing recurring issues rather than occasional glitches.
Can resetting damage my furnace?
Resetting your furnace properly won’t damage it. However, repeatedly resetting without addressing the underlying cause can potentially harm components over time. If your furnace needs frequent resets, it’s best to have it inspected by a professional to identify and fix the root problem.
Will resetting my furnace clear error codes?
Yes, resetting your furnace will typically clear error codes on the control board. However, if the problem that caused the error still exists, the code will likely return. Modern furnaces have diagnostic systems that store error codes to help technicians identify problems, even after resets.
How long should I wait before resetting my furnace?
If your furnace has shut down due to overheating or a safety feature, wait at least 30 minutes before attempting to reset it. This gives the system time to cool down and safety switches time to reset naturally. Rushing the process could prevent a successful reset.
Is it safe to reset my furnace myself?
Yes, it’s generally safe to reset your furnace yourself if you follow proper safety precautions. Always turn off the power before attempting any reset procedure. If you smell gas or are uncomfortable with the process, it’s best to call a professional instead of attempting it yourself.
Closing Thoughts
Knowing how to reset your furnace safely is a valuable skill for any homeowner. This simple procedure can often resolve minor issues and get your heating system back up and running quickly.
Remember that while resetting can fix temporary glitches, it’s not a solution for serious or recurring problems. If your furnace continues to shut down or perform poorly after resetting, it’s time to call in a professional.
Regular maintenance remains the best way to prevent furnace problems in the first place. Changing filters, keeping vents clear, and scheduling annual tune-ups will help your system run smoothly and reduce the need for resets.
For professional furnace maintenance, repairs, or if you’re unsure about resetting your system, don’t hesitate to contact Strickland Heating and Air. Our experienced technicians can diagnose and fix any furnace issue, ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable all winter long.