At Acorn Oil, we understand how essential a properly functioning HVAC system is, especially when colder months approach. One of the most common issues homeowners face is when the furnace stops working and needs a reset. 

Knowing how to reset the furnace can save time and keep your home warm and comfortable. Whether you have a gas, electric, or oil furnace, understanding the reset process is crucial to maintaining your heating system’s performance.

If you’re experiencing issues with your furnace, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (401) 724-3498 for expert assistance.

What Does Resetting a Furnace Actually Mean?

Resetting a furnace is the process of restarting your heating system after it has shut down due to a safety feature or minor malfunction. Most furnaces include a furnace reset button that temporarily stops the system and allows it to restart cleanly. This can clear minor errors such as blower motor issues or ignition problems, preventing further damage while restoring normal operation.

The heating system restart helps the furnace clear safety locks triggered by overheating, pilot light failures, or gas valve interruptions. It’s important to recognize that this is not a permanent fix but a way to reboot the system safely.

Common Reasons Your Furnace Needs a Reset

Several issues can cause your furnace to stop working and require a reset:

• Furnace not turning on due to a tripped safety switch or minor error.
• Faulty pilot light reset due to extinguished pilot flames in gas furnaces.
• Furnace error codes indicating system malfunctions that cause auto shutdown.
• Overheating caused by clogged air filters or blower motor issues.
• Problems with the gas valve or electrical components in the furnace.

Understanding why your furnace needs a reset is crucial. Persistent issues often signal underlying problems that require professional inspection.

Safety Precautions Before Resetting Your Furnace

Your safety is our priority. Before attempting to reset furnace controls, ensure:

• The power to the furnace is switched off to prevent electrical shock.
• Gas supply is checked for leaks or abnormalities.
• The area around the furnace is clear of flammable materials.
• Proper ventilation in the room.

Never ignore safety warnings or attempt resets if you smell gas or suspect a severe system failure. In such cases, immediately contact our professional.

How to Locate the Furnace Reset Button

The furnace reset button location depends on your furnace model and type:

• It is often near the blower motor or on the furnace control panel.
• Some models have it behind a hinged panel or accessible from the front of the unit.
• The button may be red or yellow and usually labeled as “Reset.”

If you are unsure where your reset button is or cannot find it, consult your furnace manual or contact a technician for guidance to avoid damage or safety risks.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reset Your Furnace

While we do not recommend DIY fixes, here’s a general overview of the reset process to understand what’s involved during a professional service:

1. Turn off the furnace and power supply.
2. Just wait some minutes to allow the internal components to cool.
3. Locate the furnace reset button.
4. Press and hold the reset button for about 30 seconds, then release.
5. Restore power and turn the furnace back on.
6. Observe if the furnace ignites and the blower starts properly.

If your furnace does not respond after a reset or needs frequent resets, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician.

How to Reset Different Types of Furnaces (Gas, Electric, Oil)

• Gas Furnaces: Typically feature a pilot light reset or an electronic ignition system. Resetting often involves pressing the reset button after ensuring the pilot light is lit.
• Electric Furnaces: Usually have circuit breakers that may trip. Resetting involves restoring power and pressing the reset button if available.
• Oil Furnaces: Require checking the oil supply and may have a reset button related to the burner mechanism.

Due to the complexity and risks with each furnace type, we strongly advise contacting us for professional service rather than attempting to reset yourself.

Troubleshooting Issues After a Furnace Reset

If your furnace fails to start or operates inefficiently after resetting:

• Check the air filter for clogs preventing proper airflow.
• Ensure the thermostat settings are correct and functional.
• Look for persistent furnace error codes or unusual noises.
• Monitor for repeated shutdowns signaling deeper mechanical or electrical faults.

Persistent problems always warrant professional intervention to diagnose issues like blower motor issues, electrical failures, or gas valve malfunctions.

When to Call Our Professional HVAC Technician

While resetting can solve minor issues, repeated furnace failures, or problems involving gas handling require expert care. Call Acorn Oil if:

• Your furnace frequently needs a reset to start.
• You detect unusual smells, noises, or leaks around the furnace.
• The furnace shows error codes or does not respond to resets.
• You are unsure about safety or the reset button location.

Our professional HVAC technicians have the expertise and equipment to service all furnace types safely and efficiently, ensuring your heating system performs reliably throughout the season.

Conclusion

Knowing how to reset the furnace can help address minor interruptions and get your heating system back up and running quickly. However, frequent resets or persistent issues often indicate underlying problems requiring professional attention. 

At Acorn Oil, we prioritize your safety and home comfort, offering expert furnace servicing and repairs to keep your HVAC system efficient year-round. For reliable assistance with furnace resets or any heating system concerns, call us at (401) 724-3498 or visit our Services page today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the reset button on my furnace located?

Generally, it depends on the furnace type and model. The reset button is usually on the control panel or near the blower motor but consult your manual or our professional to find the exact location.

2. Why does my furnace keep needing to be reset?

Frequent resets indicate an underlying problem such as airflow issues, faulty components, or safety lockouts that require expert assessment. Contact us today for tailored help!

3. Is it safe to reset my furnace more than once?

It totally depends on the issue. While occasional resets are generally safe, multiple resets may harm the system and signal the need for professional repair.

4. What should I do if my furnace still won’t turn on after resetting it?

Contact the team of Acorn Oil for professional diagnosis and repair instead of attempting DIY resets, as this could worsen the problem.

5. Does every furnace model come with a reset button?

All these depend on the furnace design. Most modern models do, but some older or specialized units may not have a dedicated reset button.