Quick Furnace Fix - The Blower Reset Button Explained
Is your furnace repeatedly shutting off and refusing to turn back on? Before you panic and call an expensive HVAC technician, try pressing the blower reset button first. This simple button can get your furnace up and heating again in minutes.
Keep reading to learn what furnace blower reset buttons are, why your furnace might need resetting, how to easily reset your furnace, and what to do if the reset button doesn't seem to work.
What is a Furnace Blower Reset Button?
The reset button, usually red or yellow, is located on or next to the blower motor assembly inside your furnace. It acts as a manual switch to cut power and restart the furnace after any malfunctions or safety shutdowns.
Definition and Purpose of Reset Button
More specifically, the reset button temporarily interrupts electrical power to the furnace components. This acts as a reboot when the furnace computer encounters an error, fails to ignite, or overheats past safe levels. The reset gives a fresh start to restore normal operation.
Typical Location of Reset Button on Furnace
While the position differs across furnace models, the blower reset button is commonly found on or directly attached to the blower motor housing near the bottom or side of the furnace.
It may be tucked under a removable panel, so refer to your furnace manual for the exact location. Reset buttons are always prominently displayed--typically bright red or yellow and labeled appropriately.
When Should the Reset Button be Used?
Try the furnace reset button any time your system unexpectedly shuts down, fails to turn on when called for, repeatedly cycles on and off, or is tripping your home's circuit breaker.
Why Does My Furnace Need to Be Reset?
Furnaces don't typically need resetting under normal circumstances. But several common underlying issues can cause your furnace to require frequent resetting or be unresponsive until this reset button is pressed.
Furnace Repeatedly Shutting Off
If your blower stays on but the furnace repeatedly shuts down after a few minutes before relighting, it likely indicates the furnace is overheating past safe levels, requiring a reset to protect components from damage.
Furnace Blower Not Turning On
If the furnace isn't igniting at all when cooling or heating is called for, pressing the reset button can help restart a furnace with an unresponsive blower motor refusing to turn on.
Furnace Tripping Circuit Breaker
Electrical issues like shorts in components or wiring can cause surges tripping household circuit breakers. The abrupt power cutoff then requires a furnace reset once breakers are flipped back on.
Gas Furnace Won't Ignite
Gas furnaces failing to ignite the fuel to produce heat will shut down automatically, likely needing the reset button before trying to relight again.
Oil Furnace Has Lost Flame
Similar to gas furnaces, oil furnaces can reset when interrupted fuel disrupts fire in the burner chamber.
Using the Reset Button to Troubleshoot Furnace Issues
While the reset button offers a quick fix to restart your furnace, keep in mind it is only masking potential larger issues causing the underlying need to reset. Monitoring the furnace carefully after pressing the button can provide clues to diagnose problems.
Checking for Proper Gas Flow in Gas Furnaces
Listen after resetting for the gas valve to open and confirm fuel is available. Lack of gas points to a piping, valve, or fuel supply issue.
Testing Oil Furnace Fuel Supply
Check that oil is free-flowing without obstructions or leaks once the oil furnace is reset. No fuel means a problem with oil lines or storage.
Letting Overheated Components Cool Down
If overheating trips the reset button, allow the furnace to fully cool before testing to prevent immediate re-triggering safety shutoffs due to residual heat.
Clearing Obstructions Around Blower Motor
Reset then carefully check for dirt, nesting animals or insects blocking airflow around the blower motor or ductwork leading in and out.
Resetting Electrical Connections
Loose wiring or corroded contacts reestablish secure electrical connections after furnace components lose and regain power from a reset.
Steps to Manually Reset Your Furnace
Locating the Reset Button
Refer to your furnace manual if unsure where the reset button is situated. It will be prominently labeled and colored red or yellow in most cases.
Pressing the Reset Button
Press the button firmly until you hear an audible click. You need to ensure it is fully engaged to successfully reset the furnace.
Waiting for Furnace Reset Sequence
Listen for the sequence of your burners igniting and blower turning on indicating the furnace computer is restarting normal operation after the reset.
Confirming Normal Operation
Ensure heated or cooled air begins flowing from vents to confirm your furnace is relit and circulating air properly again after being reset.
Monitoring Furnace After Resetting
Observe your system for several heating/cooling cycles to see if it operates consistently without needing further resets.
When to Call for Professional Help
If resetting works initially but your furnace requires repeated resets more than 2-3 times over a day or so, contact an HVAC technician. Frequent resets likely indicate an underlying repair needed.
What to Do if Resetting Doesn't Work
While the reset button may seem like furnace magic, it doesn't fix all issues. If your furnace stays entirely unresponsive or fails to restore normal operation after resetting, further troubleshooting or professional repairs may be necessary.
Ruling Out Improper Use of Reset Button
Before calling a technician, double check furnace wiring to ensure you are pressing the proper button. Visually follow wires leading from it to confirm reset capability.
Checking Air Filter, Vents, Ducts for Obstructions
Dirty air filters, blocked interior vents, or collapsed ductwork can prevent free airflow despite resetting. Visually inspect for obstructions.
Inspecting Fuel Lines and Gas Valves
Search for leaks or crimped gas or oil lines interrupting fuel flow. Verify manual shutoff valves are fully open after the reset.
Testing Electrical Components and Wiring
Faulty transformers, burnt wiring, bad fuses/switches, or ignition module failure can prevent resets from working, requiring electrical repairs.
Identifying Need for Flame Sensor, Ignitor Replacement
Malfunctioning furnace ignitors or sensors not signaling fire can cause continual resetting. These may simply need cleaning or replacement.
Considering Blower Motor or Control Board Failure
Resetting won't help if the blower motor, control board, or related components won't activate to commence heating/cooling despite reset attempts.
Understanding Limits of DIY Furnace Repairs
While minor troubleshooting checks described here may be attempted safely by homeowners, extensive electrical testing and repair of integrated furnace components should be left to qualified HVAC professionals after reset failures.
FAQs About Furnace Blower Reset Buttons
How Many Times Can I Press Reset Before Damaging Furnace?
Generally it's safe to press the reset button up to 2-3 times over a short period. But frequent repeated resetting stresses components and risks damage over time. More than a couple resets indicates an underlying problem needing repair.
Why Does Reset Button Keep Tripping?
A reset button that continuously trips right after pressing or resets on its own points to an unresolved failure in some part of the furnace. Thermal overloads, electrical shorts disabling operation, or ignition failures are common culprits needing diagnosis.
Can I Replace a Faulty Reset Button Myself?
Homeowners shouldn't attempt replacement of furnace control panel components like the reset button. The integrated nature of furnace electrical systems means disturbing any part risks functionality or safety. Consult qualified technicians instead.
Fully shutting off power to the furnace at the breaker for 30 seconds serves as a hard reset of the electrical system and computer board. Trying this reset instead of or along with the button is worth attempting before calling for complex repairs.
In many cases, simply pressing the prominent red or yellow blower reset button is enough to get your furnace humming again. So try this fast and easy fix before panicking at the next unexpected furnace shutdown. But also pay attention to patterns requiring frequent resets--your furnace may be signaling a cry for help!