Do you have to keep resetting your furnace? Let Leith Heating & Cooling fix the issue when you call 847-565-1568.
Are you wondering, “Why do I have to keep resetting my furnace?” If your furnace continually shuts off for no reason or stops running mid-cycle, pressing the reset button may provide a temporary solution — but it won’t fix the underlying problem.
Keep reading to discover the most common reason your reset button is tripping and how to fix it. When you need furnace help, call Leith Heating & Cooling, Streamwood’s reliable furnace repair and first choice for all things HVAC.
What’s the Reset Button For?
The reset button is typically yellow or red and located within the furnace’s blower compartment. The primary function of the button is safety, and it shuts off the furnace when it reaches unsafe temperatures.
It’s normal for the reset button to trigger occasionally, and that actually means it’s serving its function. However, if you find yourself frequently resetting a tripped furnace, chances are the problem is from a malfunction.
Reasons the Reset Button Fails
The following are the five most common reasons the reset button trips on your furnace. Professional HVAC specialists can identify and fix these problems quickly so you don’t have to spend valuable time and energy determining the cause.
Overheating
While occasional overheating isn’t an issue, if it’s a frequent problem, it signals a ventilation issue or improper placement of your furnace. If you’re diligent about cleaning your air filter and keeping your vents open, call the HVAC specialists at Leith Heating & Cooling to find a solution.
No Fuel
If you have a gas or oil furnace, it can run out of fuel, triggering the reset button. Check the fuel tank to discover if it’s empty, and an HVAC technician can refill the tank without hassle.
Frequent power surges or outages can also present a problem if you have an electric furnace. Repeated electrical issues indicate you need an electrician to inspect your wires and power system.
Dirty Air Filter
The air filter handles a large volume of air before it’s circulated throughout your home, and it’s responsible for removing dust, dirt, and other pollutants. Depending on the type of filter, homeowners should change them every 30 to 90 days. Neglecting your air filter causes dirt to build up and the filter to become blocked.
A blocked air filter significantly decreases your home’s air quality and can lead to chronic and acute respiratory problems or aggravate your allergies. It can also cause the furnace to overheat, triggering the reset button. The air filter is one of the easiest furnace components to check, and thus many homeowners prefer to address it first.
Closed Gas Valve
On a gas furnace, the gas valve controls whether gas can enter the furnace and acts as a safety precaution to block it from entering the furnace under dangerous conditions. Sometimes the valve malfunctions and closes unnecessarily. This forces the reset button to trip repeatedly until you reopen the valve.
Flame Sensor Issues
The flame sensor is a rod that detects whether the furnace is properly ignited and signals the gas valve to allow gas into the furnace. When the rod becomes coated in dirt, it can malfunction, causing the furnace to reset repeatedly. Cleaning the flame sensor can restore your furnace to working order.
Resetting the Button Manually
Now that you know the answer to “Why do I have to keep resetting my furnace,” you should know how to reset your furnace. The process is different depending on your furnace type.
Gas Furnaces
To manually reset a gas furnace, follow these steps:
- Check the pilot light and confirm that it’s off.
- Turn the thermostat to its lowest possible setting.
- Find your circuit breaker and turn off the furnace at the power source.
- Leave the gas supply line for the pilot on, but turn off the main gas supply to the furnace.
- To relight the pilot light, hold a lit match to the flame jet’s opening.
- Return the power supply by flipping on the circuit and restore the gas line supply.
- Hold the reset button for 30 seconds and return the thermostat’s temperature setting to normal.
Gas furnaces pose serious safety risks when improperly maintained or handled. If you own a gas furnace and aren’t certain how to reset the furnace, call a professional.
If you smell gas in your home, immediately evacuate without using any electronics. Do not even switch any lights on or off. Once you’re at a safe distance, call your local utility company for emergency inspection and repair of your gas line.
Electric Furnaces
Electric-powered furnaces are a bit easier to reset, as you won’t need to relight the pilot light. To manually reset an electric furnace, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power supply to the furnace by switching off the breaker at the circuit box.
- Press the reset button on the furnace. If you can’t locate it, it’s usually inside the blower compartment to the side of the motor. Remove the compartment’s cover and use caution because it may be hot.
- If the button popped out, press it down.
- Replace the cover on the blower compartment and turn the power on.
Again, if you don’t feel confident resetting your furnace yourself, don’t hesitate to call an HVAC professional for assistance.
Call Leith Heating & Cooling for Furnace Help
Now you know the answer to “Why do I have to keep resetting my furnace?” Leith Heating & Cooling is the Streamwood area’s first choice for all things HVAC. Whether you’re wondering if a bad thermostat causes a furnace not to work or can’t decide which air conditioner is best for your home, we can help.
With over 400 five-star reviews, Leith Heating & Cooling has a consistent reputation for friendly and professional service that always leaves our customers satisfied. To learn how our comprehensive HVAC services can keep your home cool year-round, call Leith Heating & Cooling at 847-565-1568.
