Is your furnace giving you a hard time? Sometimes, a simple reset can do the trick. When you know how and when to reset your system, you can fix minor issues and avoid any surprising problems later down the road.
Here’s why you may need a furnace reset and how to reset your furnace without causing any extra headaches.
Why You May Need a Furnace Reset
Picture this: It’s freezing outside, and suddenly your furnace decides to take a break. To say it’s annoying is an understatement. We need a working furnace to maintain our homes’ comfort during the winter.
If your furnace malfunctions, a quick reset might save the day. But before you jump into action, it’s always good to understand why you may need to reset your furnace in the first place to prevent unnecessary hurdles.
Common Reasons for a Furnace Reset
There are several reasons you may need to reset your furnace. In some cases, a reset is all it takes to resolve minor problems and restore heating:
- Overheating: The furnace shuts down automatically if it gets too hot. So, you need to reset it to restart it after the system cools down.
- Fuel Shortage: A gas or oil furnace runs out of fuel, and you might need to reset it once refueled.
- Airflow Blockages: Sometimes, it could be as simple as vents or clogged dirty filters. This restricted airflow can make your furnace work overtime, tripping the reset button.
Whatever the reason, knowing when to hit that reset button can be a real lifesaver. In case you have doubts, Service Minds One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating in Tampa can help. Our furnace repair and reset services can get your system running smoothly in no time.
What Is the Deal with a Furnace Reset Button?
The furnace reset button is a safety mechanism to protect your heating system from damage or dangerous conditions. It works similarly to a circuit breaker, shutting off the system when something is not quite right.
Where is the Reset Button Located?
In most furnaces, you’ll find the reset button hanging out inside the blower compartment. It’s usually red or yellow, so it’s hard to miss. But remember, you may need to play detective and remove the service panel to find it.
Why Do You Need the Reset Button?
The reset button is a protective feature that cuts power to the furnace when it detects issues such as overheating or a lack of fuel. This prevents the furnace from operating in a damaged state, reducing the risk of further problems.
When to Contact a Technician
Resetting your furnace once in a blue moon is no big deal, but frequent resets may indicate a bigger issue at play, and it needs pro attention. If you find yourself pressing the reset button more often than you’re hitting the snooze button, it’s best to have an HVAC expert inspect your system.
Regular resets often point to problems like airflow restrictions, overheating, or faulty sensors that need repair.
What Causes the Reset Button to Trip?
There are several reasons your furnace might trip the reset button. You can avoid future incidents and protect your furnace from damage by quickly identifying the cause.
1. Running Out of Fuel
A furnace running on gas or oil will shut down if it goes out of fuel. In this case, the reset button might trip, and you’ll need to manually reset it after refueling.
2. Closed or Blocked Gas Valves
Gas furnaces rely on open and unblocked gas valves to function properly. If a valve is closed or blocked, the furnace won’t receive the fuel it needs, and the reset button could trip. Always check that the gas supply is flowing before trying to reset the system.
3. Overheating
Overheating can cause the reset button to trip. This is often because of restricted airflow, which can come from blocked vents, dirty filters, or wonky blower fans.
Try to keep vents clear and replace filters regularly to help avoid overheating.
4. Dirty Flame Sensor
The flame sensor detects if the furnace is properly burning fuel. If this sensor gets dirty, it may go haywire, making the furnace shut off.
We recommend cleaning the flame sensor regularly to help keep your furnace running in top shape.
5. Clogged Air Filter
A blocked air filter can restrict airflow, leading to overheating and triggering the reset button.
However, if you clean the air filter or swap out regularly, you keep airflow stable. This, on the other hand, prevents needless resets.
How to Easily Reset a Gas Furnace
If your gas furnace has tripped the reset button, here’s what you need to do to reset it safely:
Step 1: Cut the Power and Gas Supply
First, turn off the power to the furnace (you’ll need to switch off the circuit breaker). Then, shut off the gas supply to the furnace. This prevents any issues while you work on the system. Safety first!
Step 2: Relight the Pilot Light
Does your furnace use a pilot light? Check whether it’s still lit, then. Follow your furnace’s manual to relight it if it has gone out.
For furnaces with an electric igniter, this step isn’t necessary.
Step 3: Press the Reset Button
Once the pilot light is lit (if applicable), find the reset button inside the blower compartment. Give it a firm press for about 30 seconds to reset the system.
Step 4: Restore Power and Gas
After pressing the reset button, turn the power and gas back on. Set your thermostat to a higher temperature and wait for the furnace to restart.
If it doesn’t turn on or the reset button trips again, it’s time to call a tech.
How to Reset an Electric Furnace
Resetting an electric furnace involves similar steps, though slightly different from resetting a gas furnace.
Step 1: Shut Off the Power
Kill the power at the circuit breaker to avoid electrical hazards while working.
Step 2: Find the Reset Button
Hunt down the reset button inside the blower compartment. It’s usually red or yellow and is located behind the service panel of the furnace.
Step 3: Press the Reset Button
Press and hold the reset button for about 30 seconds. This should reset the furnace’s safety system and allow it to restart.
Step 4: Turn Power Back On
Once you’ve pressed the reset button, turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Set the thermostat to a higher temperature and see if the furnace starts.
Call a pro to solve the dilemma if the reset button trips again.
Need a Furnace Reset in Tampa? Service Minds One Hour’s On the Way
Resetting your furnace can sometimes be the quick fix to get your heat flowing again. But remember, if your furnace keeps throwing tantrums, it might be time to call the pros. Keep an eye on those warning signs, too.
If your furnace continues to trip the reset button or fails to restart, reach out to Service Minds One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating in Tampa. Our superhero techs know their stuff and are ready to put on our caps and handle any furnace issue. We can get your home toasty again in no time with our furnace repair and reset services. With us, you just need to relax and trust that your heating system will be in good hands.
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