How to Reset Your Furnace: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

Furnaces become so important during the cold days of fall and winter in Ohio and the Midwest. But, like all mechanical systems, they can sometimes run into issues and resetting them might be necessary to get things up and running again. Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, knowing how to reset your system can save you both time and a service call. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps for resetting both gas and electric furnaces, explain why you might need to do this in the first place, and show you how to find and use that elusive reset button.

Why Does a Furnace Need to Be Reset?

Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Furnaces are complex machines with multiple safety systems built in. When one of these systems detects an issue, it might shut down the furnace to prevent damage or a hazardous situation. Common reasons a furnace might shut off and need a reset include:

Overheating: If your furnace gets too hot, it might automatically shut off to prevent damage to the unit or potential fire hazards.
Power Surges: A spike in power could trigger your furnace to shut down as a protective measure.
Clogged Air Filters: Restricted airflow can cause the furnace to overheat, leading to an automatic shutdown.
Thermostat Issues: Sometimes, a faulty thermostat might send incorrect signals, causing the furnace to shut down.
Fuel Supply Problems (for Gas Furnaces): If there’s a disruption in your gas supply, the furnace might shut down as a safety precaution.

In many cases, a simple reset is all it takes to get your furnace running again. But remember, if your furnace repeatedly shuts down, it’s a sign of a bigger problem, and you should call a professional to check it out.

The Reset Button: What Is It and Where to Find It?

First and foremost, it’s important to note that there are numerous ways to reset your furnace. They include the power switch and often two different reset buttons inside the furnace.

Most modern furnaces come with a built-in safety reset button that will trigger when the furnace is not safe to run. It’s a red or yellow button inside the furnace either near the burners or somewhere inside the blower compartment. This is a safety feature designed to shut down the furnace when it detects a problem. If the furnace overheats for any reason this button will pop out and reset the furnace.

Once you’ve addressed the issue (like changing a filter or ensuring proper airflow), pressing this button can restart the furnace.

Then, there is also another code reset button inside on the control panel that is specifically to reset your furnace error codes. It’s typically a small black button and not a safety feature. You can see that button in the photo on the left.

furnace reset button for safety — safety reset button

Location of the Safety Reset Button: The safety reset button is typically found inside the blower compartment of your furnace. To locate it:

Turn off the power to the furnace by flipping the switch on the furnace or at the circuit breaker.
Remove the access panel that covers the blower compartment.
Look for a small, usually red or yellow button—this is the reset button. It might be located near the motor or blower fan.

Before pressing the reset button, always ensure you’ve identified and addressed the issue that caused the furnace to shut down in the first place.

How to Reset a Gas Furnace

Resetting a gas furnace is generally straightforward, but safety is always the top priority. If the issue is simply a power surge, a thermostat issue or fuel supply issue you can flip the power switch to reset your furnace.

If the issue has to do with overheating from circumstances like a clogged filter, then you can locate and press the safety reset button as shown above.

If your issue is error codes flashing and you believe the underlying issue has been resolved, then you can press the code reset button as shown above.

When to Call in a Pro

While resetting a furnace is usually a quick fix, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to call in a professional. If your furnace shuts down frequently or doesn’t restart after a reset, there could be a deeper issue at play. Other signs it’s time to call a pro include:

Unusual noises or smells
Frequent power surges in the system
Furnace failing to heat your home properly
Pilot light (in gas furnaces) won’t stay lit

If you’re not comfortable resetting the furnace yourself or if the issue persists and you’re in the Cincinnati/NKY area, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Quality Comfort at 513-620-4822 or book service online 24/7.

Super Savings Plans