How to Reset Your Furnace

Your furnace is designed to run independently with only the occasional maintenance needed to keep the system operating efficiently. However, there are times when heating equipment may stop working properly due to a variety of reasons, such as power outages, system malfunctions, or error codes. In many cases, a simple reset can get your furnace running again without the need for professional HVAC repair or services.

Before attempting to reset your furnace, make safety a top priority. Working with any type of heating system can be dangerous due to the presence of electrical components and gas connections. Always turn off the power to the furnace before attempting to reset it, and if you smell gas or suspect a more serious issue, contact a professional immediately.

Serving Manhattan, KS, and the surrounding areas, Standard Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning offers professional furnace and heating repair services to keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter months. If you’re struggling with furnace problems, our team of HVAC experts can help you get your heating system fixed or replaced.

Identifying the Underlying Issue

There are many reasons why a furnace reset may be necessary. If your furnace has suddenly stopped working, consider the reason why. Some of the most common causes of a furnace shutdown include:

• Power Surges or Outages – A sudden loss of power can cause your furnace to shut off and require a reset.
• Overheating – If your furnace gets too hot, it may have safety features that force the equipment to shut down to prevent a fire or explosion.
• Fuel Supply Issues – If you have a gas furnace, an interruption in the gas supply could trigger a system shutdown.
• Clogged Air Filter – A dirty air filter can sometimes restrict airflow, causing the system to overheat and shut down.
• Ignition or Pilot Light Problems – A faulty ignitor or extinguished pilot light can prevent the furnace from starting.

There are several signs that can indicate a reset is necessary to get your heating equipment back up and running. First, you may find that there is no heat or airflow, meaning the furnace may be running but there is no warm air coming through the air vents. You may also notice blinking or solid error lights on the equipment, indicating that something is wrong.

Next, you may hear unusual noises coming from your furnace. Buzzing, clicking, or other strange sounds may point to a system problem. The equipment may also short cycle frequently, which means that the unit turns off and on rapidly. A furnace reset may be needed to recalibrate the system, which may help it run properly again without the need for professional HVAC repair.

One of the best ways to prevent your furnace from experiencing problems over time is to undergo routine maintenance. Standard’s VIP Program includes a maintenance agreement designed to keep your heating and cooling equipment working reliably year-round. Members can enjoy a range of benefits, such as free filters twice a year, discounts on service work, prolonged warranties, no overtime charges, and much more.

Resetting a Furnace: Step-by-Step

The steps involved in resetting a furnace can slightly differ based on the type of furnace, such as gas or electric, as well as the brand, model, and age of the equipment. The following steps can guide you to safely and effectively reset your heating system:

How to Reset a Gas Furnace

1. Turn Off the Power

For safety reasons, switch off the power to your furnace. The power switch can typically be found on or near the unit. If you can’t locate the power switch, turn off the furnace’s circuit breaker in the home’s electrical panel.

2. Turn Off the Gas Supply

If your furnace has a gas shutoff valve, turn it off to stop the flow of gas while you reset the system. This step is especially important if you suspect an issue with the pilot light or ignition system.

3. Locate the Reset Button

Find the reset button located on your furnace. This button is typically red or yellow and can sometimes be found in the blower compartment or near the control panel. If you’re unsure, refer to the equipment’s manual for guidance.

4. Press and Hold the Reset Button

Press and hold the reset button for approximately 30 seconds, then release it. Performing this action allows the system to clear any potential faults and attempt a restart.

5. Restore the Power and Gas

Once you’ve reset the system, restore the power to the furnace and turn the gas supply back on. If you had turned the power off at the circuit breaker, flip the breaker to allow power to return to the furnace.

6. Monitor the Furnace

Wait several minutes for the furnace to restart, listening to any sounds, such as the burner igniting. Check to see if warm air starts coming from the vents. If the furnace doesn’t restart or continue to malfunction, call in a professional for HVAC repair.

How to Reset an Electric Furnace

1. Turn Off the Power

To remain safe when resetting your electric furnace, turn off the power to the unit before starting. Locate the power switch on or near the equipment and ensure that it’s in the “off” position. If you can’t find it, switch off the breaker inside the electrical panel.

2. Locate the Reset Button

Most electrical furnaces have a reset button that is red or yellow, often located on or near the blower motor inside the unit. If you can’t locate it, refer to the furnace’s user manual for guidance.

3. Press and Hold the Reset Button

Press and hold the reset button for approximately 30 seconds, then release it. If there are any minor faults, this action allows the equipment to reset and essentially clear the system.

4. Restore Power

Switch the power back on to restore power to the unit or return to the circuit breaker to return power to the equipment. This will force the system to reboot and start running again.

5. Monitor the Furnace

Wait several minutes to see if the furnace restarts on its own. Listen to see if the blower motor turns on. You can also check to see if warm air is coming through the vents. If the furnace doesn’t restart or continues to have problems, call in an HVAC professional.

What to Do If the Furnace Doesn’t Reset

Despite your best attempt to get your furnace up and running on your own, you may find that the equipment simply won’t respond to your actions. When this happens, additional troubleshooting may be necessary. There are several things you can check before calling in the experts.

First, check your home’s circuit breaker. If the furnace simply won’t turn on, it could be because of a tripped breaker. Inspect the electrical panel for a tripped breaker and reset it if necessary.

Next, look at the thermostat in your house. Ensure that the thermostat is set to “heat” and at a temperature higher than the current room temperature. In some cases, the thermostat may need to have its batteries replaced before it will work properly. Replace batteries if applicable.

You’ll also want to check the air filter in your heating equipment. A clogged filter could potentially restrict airflow and cause the furnace to overheat and eventually shut down. If the furnace is dirty, clean it or replace it.

Many modern furnaces are equipped with digital control panels that display error codes or blinking lights when something is amiss. If your furnace is showing error codes or unusual lights, refer to the user manual to understand the code and find potential fixes.

The next thing you’ll want to do is check the gas supply if you have a gas furnace. Ensure that the gas valve is open. If you suspect a gas leak, such as the smell of gas or a hissing sound, leave the house and contact your gas company immediately.

Finally, inspect the pilot light and ignition system. For older gas furnaces, ensure that the pilot light is still lit. If it continues to go out, there may be a problem with the thermocouple that requires HVAC repair services.

Contact an HVAC professional if you notice:

• A persistent burning smell or unusual noises coming from your heating equipment.
• Frequent short cycling (turning on and off rapidly).
• Gas leaks or electrical issues.
• Repeated error codes that don’t clear after a furnace reset.

Standard makes it easy to get the help you need with your furnace when you need it most. Ask our team about our special 0% interest financing offers, as well as our other discounts, such as $100 off water heaters, senior citizen discounts, and veterans and active military discounts. Standard Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning holds an A+ BBB Rating and is a proud IAPMO and PHCC member.

Trust Standard for Expert Furnace Repair

Resetting your furnace can often resolve minor issues caused by power outages, overheating, and system faults. By following the proper steps based on the type of heating system in your unit, you can often restore heat to your house without the need for professional repairs.

However, if your furnace fails to reset or continues to malfunction, further troubleshooting may be required. At Standard Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning in Manhattan, KS, we offer expert furnace repair services to restore warmth to your home as quickly as possible. Call us today at (785)776-5012 for reliable and prompt HVAC services.