How to Reset Furnace

How to Reset Furnace: A Simple Guide

When your furnace stops working, it can be incredibly frustrating, especially during the colder months. While some issues may require professional assistance, resetting your furnace is often an easy first step you can take to resolve common issues. Whether you’re dealing with a tripped circuit or restarting after maintenance, following these steps will help get your heat back on in no time. This guide will walk you through how to reset your furnace safely, provide important tips, and explain when it might be time to consider furnace replacement.

What is a Furnace?

Before addressing resetting a furnace, it’s important to understand what it is and how it functions. A furnace is a key component of a home heating system that warms air and distributes it throughout your home via ducts. Furnaces can run on various fuels, such as natural gas, propane, electricity, or oil, and are essential for keeping your home comfortable during winter. If your furnace isn’t operating properly, resetting it can often fix minor issues. However, understanding the type and condition of your furnace is essential for maintaining optimal performance.

Why You Might Need to Reset Your Furnace

There are a variety of reasons why your furnace might need resetting. Here’s a quick look at some common scenarios:

• Power outage: If a power failure occurs, your furnace may need to be reset once the electricity is restored.
• Blown fuse or tripped breaker: These can disrupt the power supply to your furnace, requiring a manual reset.
• Safety mode activation: Most modern furnaces enter a safety lockout mode when they detect an issue, such as lack of airflow or an ignition problem.
• Regular maintenance: After maintenance or repairs, resetting the furnace may be necessary to calibrate its settings.

Resetting your furnace is a straightforward process that can be done safely and easily by following proper instructions.

How to Reset Furnace

Resetting your furnace is a task almost anyone can handle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

Turn off the furnace:

• Locate your furnace’s power switch, which is usually found near the unit on the wall or ceiling.
• Flip the switch to the “off” position. This ensures safety while resetting.

Shut off the power supply:

• Check your main circuit breaker panel. Look for the circuit connected to your furnace and turn it off. This will cut the electricity to your furnace.

Turn off the gas supply (if applicable):

• If your furnace runs on gas, locate the gas supply valve. It is usually positioned near the furnace.
• Turn the valve to the “off” position.
• Wait for 5-10 minutes:

Give your furnace some time to cool down and reset. This step is especially useful for furnaces that have a built-in safety feature.

Press the reset button:

• Locate the reset button on your furnace. It is typically red or yellow and positioned on the unit’s blower housing or near the motor.
• Press and hold the button for about 30 seconds, then release it.

Turn everything back on:

• Flip the gas supply valve back to “on,” turn the breaker back on, and switch the furnace power back to “on.” Allow the furnace a few minutes to fully restart.

You can often resolve minor furnace issues and restore heat to your home by running through these steps.

How to Turn on Furnace After Resetting

Once the reset process is complete, turning the furnace back on is simple. Here’s what to do:

• Adjust your thermostat to your desired temperature. Make sure it is set to “heat.”
• Listen for the furnace to kick on. You should hear the blower motor or heat igniter activate shortly after.
• Check if warm air is flowing through your vents. If everything is working correctly, you can relax and enjoy the warmth.

If your furnace still isn’t turning on or heating after following these steps, there may be a larger issue at hand. It’s time to contact a professional HVAC technician for assistance.

When to Consider Furnace Replacement

While resetting your furnace can fix occasional issues, frequent problems could indicate that it’s time to consider a furnace replacement. Here are some signs that your furnace might need to be replaced:

• Age of the furnace: The average lifespan of a furnace is about 15-20 years. If yours is older, it could be time to upgrade.
• Frequent repairs are needed: If you’re constantly resetting or repairing your furnace, a new one may save you money in the long run.
• Rising energy bills: An inefficient furnace works harder to heat your home, leading to higher energy costs.
• Uneven heating: If certain rooms are colder than others, it could indicate that your furnace is no longer able to heat effectively.
• Loud or unusual noises: Rattling, popping, or banging sounds often indicate serious mechanical problems.

Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient furnace not only improves your home’s comfort but also saves you money on utility bills. If you are in Utah, Triple-T Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical offers expert furnace installation and replacement services.

Tips for Maintaining Your Furnace

To reduce the chances of needing to reset your furnace or replace it prematurely, regular maintenance is key. Follow these tips:

• Schedule professional furnace inspections and tune-ups annually.
• Replace air filters every 1-3 months to ensure proper airflow.
• Keep vents and ducts clean and free from obstructions.
• Monitor your furnace for unusual sounds or performance issues.

Contact Triple-T Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

If resetting your furnace didn’t solve the problem or you suspect it’s time for a furnace replacement, don’t hesitate to reach out to Triple-T Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. Our licensed and insured HVAC experts with nearly 50 years of experience can provide fast, reliable service to meet all your heating needs. Call us today or visit us online at Triple-T Heating to schedule an appointment. We’ll keep your home warm and cozy! Regularly maintaining your furnace and knowing how to reset it when needed can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy reliable heating all winter.