Trystan Casey
Resetting an electric furnace is a simple process that can solve minor issues and get your home feeling warm and cozy again. The reset button is a critical safety feature that protects your furnace from overheating and subsequent heat damage. If your furnace has an electronic ignition system, it may be triggered by a component called the igniter, which requires a professional technician to fix. However, if you have a simple electric furnace, you can follow these steps: turn off the power supply, wait for the electrical components to shut off, locate the reset button (usually inside the blower compartment), and press it to reset the furnace. Finally, turn the power back on and set your thermostat to the desired temperature.
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What You'll Learn
Locate the reset button
Resetting your electric furnace can often solve minor issues and make your home feel warm and cozy again. It is a critical safety feature designed to protect your furnace from overheating or other safety issues.
The location of the reset button varies from system to system, depending on the make and model of your heating system. Typically, you’ll find it inside the air handler, either next to or above your furnace. It is usually located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. Be cautious, as the housing may be hot.
The reset button is often made of yellow or red plastic and marked with a large “R” to make it easier to spot. You can check if it has tripped by checking its position. If the button sticks out from the surface, it has tripped, and you’ll need to reset your furnace.
Once you have located the reset button, press and hold it for about 30 seconds and then raise the temperature on the thermostat.
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Turn off the power supply
To restart an electric furnace, the first step is to turn off the power supply. This can be done by locating the furnace switch, which is typically found near the unit, and turning it off. If there is no switch, you can turn off the breaker in the circuit box. This can be done by going to your building's fuse box and finding the room where the furnace is installed. If your fuse box is unlabeled, simply turn off all the breakers.
It is important to then wait for all the electrical components to fully shut off before proceeding. This can take up to 5 minutes, as the computers in older furnaces can be quite rudimentary. Once you have waited for the electrical components to shut down, you can then open or slide off the front panel of your furnace. This is a removable panel that can be removed by lifting it out of the slot or pinching the slides on the panel inward and pulling it out.
The next steps involve locating and pressing the reset button, which is typically found inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. If the reset button has popped up, you will need to press it down to reset the furnace. After this, you can turn the power back on and wait for the furnace to start running.
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Relight the pilot light
If the pilot light of your electric furnace goes out, you can relight it by following these steps:
Firstly, locate the pilot light. It is usually found at the bottom of the unit, near the front, and may be hidden behind a small access panel or visible through a small window. If you cannot find the pilot light, refer to the manufacturer's manual or website for a diagram indicating its location.
Once you have located the pilot light, turn the knob to the "off" position and wait for five minutes to let the gas dissipate from the chamber. Then, turn the knob to "pilot" and let gas flow to the pilot.
Now, light a match or a lighter and hold the flame to the pilot light's opening. At the same time, push and hold the reset button for about 30 seconds until the pilot light is burning steadily. Then, release the button.
After releasing the reset button, your furnace should start automatically. Observe the pilot light for a few moments to ensure it stays lit. Check the surrounding areas for drafts or other air sources that might have caused the pilot light to extinguish.
If you cannot relight the pilot light or smell gas coming from the tube, refrain from attempting to relight it and contact an experienced HVAC contractor or your energy provider.
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Check for electrical issues
If your electric furnace is not working, it is important to check for electrical issues. Before you begin, ensure that the power supply to the furnace is switched off.
First, check for any water leaks near the furnace, as this could be causing a short in the heating system. Next, inspect the wiring and electrical components for any signs of burning or melting. If you notice any burned control boards, you may need to replace them. Turn off the system, remove the part, and check the part number to order a replacement. Once you have the new part, carefully replace it by reconnecting the wires according to their original positions.
Another potential issue could be a clogged or dirty air filter, which can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and increase electricity usage. It can also cause the furnace to trip. Regularly cleaning or replacing the filter every 1-3 months can help prevent this problem.
If your furnace has a blower, check for a dirty blower wheel, which can be caused by infrequent filter changes. This will also reduce airflow and increase electricity usage. Clean the blower wheel and ensure that you change the filters regularly.
Additionally, check the diagnostic sight glass or control unit. Older furnaces may have a sight glass, which is a glass cover on the front of the furnace that allows you to view the diagnostic light. Newer furnaces may have an electrical panel that displays readings. Make sure that the diagnostic reading is clear once the furnace is running.
Finally, if your furnace continues to experience issues, consider contacting a certified HVAC professional for further assistance and repairs.
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Consult a professional
If you are unable to restart your electric furnace, it is recommended that you consult a professional. This is especially important if you are dealing with a malfunctioning flame sensor, fuel line or valve issues, or a faulty pilot light.
You can start by contacting a licensed, insured, and certified technician with experience in working on all brands of furnaces. They will be able to evaluate, diagnose, and address the problem. It is important not to delay service as this could make the problem worse.
When choosing a professional, look for companies that offer free estimates, upfront pricing, and financing options. You can also check if they provide priority service and annual equipment maintenance through membership programs. Additionally, ensure that the technician is trained and licensed to work on your specific furnace make and model.
Before the technician arrives, make sure to inform them of any error codes or blinking lights on your furnace, as well as its age, and any recent issues you have encountered. This will help them prepare and bring the necessary tools and equipment to resolve the issue effectively.
By consulting a professional, you can ensure that your furnace is repaired or restarted correctly, safely, and efficiently, giving you peace of mind and a warm, cozy home once again.
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Frequently asked questions
To restart an electric furnace, first turn off the power supply to the furnace and the main gas supply, leaving the pilot gas supply line on. Then, relight the pilot light using a match. After this, turn the circuit breaker and the main gas supply back on. Finally, locate the reset button, usually found inside the blower compartment, and hold it down for around 30 seconds.
There are several reasons why your electric furnace may be shutting down. One common cause is a clogged or dirty air filter, which can be easily fixed by cleaning or replacing the filter. Another potential cause is a malfunctioning flame sensor, which may shut off the furnace as a safety measure. Power outages or surges can also disrupt the furnace's operation.
If your reset button keeps tripping, it could be due to a number of issues. The most common reason is that your furnace is overheating, which could be caused by dirty filters or obstructed supply vents. It is recommended that you call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your furnace and determine the underlying cause.
If your carbon monoxide detector beeps, turn off your furnace and evacuate your family and pets from the house. Contact a professional technician to resolve the issue.
