You can reset a furnace by holding the reset button on the primary control, inside the bower compartment, or near the motor. The exact process depends on the type of furnace you have. A furnace reset can get your system running after a power surge or fuel problem, and you should only need to press the button once.

Learn when and why to reset your furnace and get tips from your local heating repair and maintenance team in Suffolk County.

SAFETY WARNING: Confirm the Following Before You Reset Your Furnace

A furnace reset button is like a circuit breaker for your heating system. Think of it as a warning system that something has gone wrong in the system. On Long Island, a furnace reset is usually only necessary after a power surge or fuel supply problem.

You should not use the reset button as a general troubleshooting step. It should only be used when:

• You noticed a power surge or brief power outage in your home, and your heating stopped.
• You just had your oil tank refilled, and the system isn’t working.

If you have other symptoms of a faulty furnace, or if pressing the button doesn’t do anything, call a trusted HVAC contractor in Suffolk County first.

The Steps to Reset Your Furnace

Always read your furnace owner’s manual before following our furnace reset steps. If the manual has a different process, refer to it instead.

1. Check your thermostat and ensure that it’s set to heating mode and the temperature is above the current room temperature.
2. Check your electrical panel in case the furnace breaker is tripped. If it’s off, flip it back to the on position.
3. Locate the reset button for your furnace with the help of your owner’s manual. Oil furnaces usually have a red button on the control box attached to the burner. Electric and gas furnaces have a red or yellow button either near the motor or in the blower compartment, behind an access panel.
4. Press and hold the reset button for 3 to 5 seconds. If you hear a click, release the button and wait for your furnace to turn on.
5. If the furnace doesn’t turn on, try holding the button down one more time. If there’s no result, call an HVAC contractor immediately.

It’s important that you follow step 5 closely. You should never press the reset button more than twice, especially if you have an oil furnace. Pressing it continuously pumps too much oil into the combustion chamber, which can ignite and send soot and smoke through your ductwork.

What if Pressing the Furnace Reset Button Doesn’t Work?

If the furnace reset button doesn’t kick your system back on, you will need to book an inspection and potential repairs with a local HVAC company.

Your furnace might not turn on, even after a reset, because of:

• A dirty flame sensor that has tripped a safety mechanism. This sensor can be cleaned and tested by an HVAC specialist. The flame sensor is the leading cause of furnace short cycling, so if you noticed this symptom before your furnace stopped working, this would be the most likely culprit.
• A clogged air filter or blocked exhaust could cause overheating and trip a limit switch in your furnace. You can replace your filter if it is dark grey and clogged, and try turning on the system again.
• The igniter, capacitor, or other internal component may have failed. This is likely the problem if your furnace makes a humming sound but doesn’t turn on.

Local professionals are available to troubleshoot and repair your furnace, ensuring your home is safe and comfortable this winter.

Call the Furnace Experts at Soundview Heat and Air Conditioning

Choose an expert team to troubleshoot your furnace and get your home heating running smoothly. We are available 24/7, even on holidays. Call Soundview HVAC at 631-209-1744 to schedule a technician today.