After a power outage, your furnace might stop working, leaving your home cold and uncomfortable. To reset your furnace, start by turning off the circuit breaker and furnace power, wait about 30 seconds to a minute, then turn the power back on.
If your furnace uses gas, you may also need to turn off the gas for a few minutes before turning it back on. Sometimes, you’ll need to check the thermostat and make sure it’s set correctly after a power loss.
If your furnace has a pilot light, ensure it is off before trying to reset it. If you want expert help or regular maintenance to avoid issues after outages, you can count on Sun Heating & Cooling.
With their experience, they can quickly get your heating back on track when you need it most.
Understanding Furnace Safety After a Power Outage
When your power goes out, your furnace might stop working or act strangely. Before you try to reset it, you need to know why it might need a reset, what safety steps to follow, and how to tell if your furnace really needs to be reset.
This will help you keep your home safe and warm.
Why Furnaces May Need Resetting
Power outages can cause your furnace to shut off suddenly. When power returns, your furnace may not restart on its own.
This happens because safety features, like the blower motor or the gas valve, may lock down to prevent damage. Sometimes, the thermostat loses its settings or the pilot light goes out, which stops your furnace from heating.
Other times, the furnace’s internal sensors or reset buttons need a manual push to get going again.
Safety Precautions to Take First
Before you reset your furnace, turn off power at the circuit breaker. This stops any chance of electric shock while you work.
Also, make sure the area around the furnace is clear of flammable items to avoid fire hazards. Don’t try to reset your furnace if you smell gas.
In that case, leave the house and call a professional immediately. Gas leaks are dangerous, and only trained experts should handle them.
Wear gloves and be careful when lifting access panels or pressing reset buttons. If unsure, it’s safer to contact your local trusted experts, like Sun Heating & Cooling.
Signs Your Furnace Needs a Reset
You may need to reset your furnace if it:
- Won’t turn on after the power comes back.
- Runs but doesn’t blow warm air.
- Starts but then stops suddenly.
- Shows error codes or blinking lights on its control panel.
- The pilot light won’t stay lit.
If you notice any of these, a reset is often the first step. But if the problem continues after resetting, professional help is the best choice.
Step-By-Step Guide to Resetting Your Furnace
Resetting your furnace after a power outage means turning off the power, finding the reset button, and pressing it the right way. Being careful with each step helps protect your furnace and your home.
Locate the Furnace Reset Button
First, find the reset button on your furnace. It is usually a small red or black button located on the furnace’s main control panel or near the blower motor.
Sometimes it’s covered by a plastic casing that you need to open carefully. If you can’t see the button, check your furnace manual or the label on the furnace itself.
Avoid pressing random buttons, as this can cause other issues. Make sure the area is clear and well-lit before you start.
If you are unsure, calling Sun Heating & Cooling for guidance is a safe choice.
Power Off Your Furnace
Before pressing the reset button, turn off the power to your furnace. Locate the switch near the furnace or the circuit breaker that controls it.
Switch it off to avoid electrical hazards. Wait for about 5 minutes before moving on.
This pause lets the furnace’s internal systems fully shut down and can help clear minor glitches caused by the outage. Do not unplug the furnace if it is hardwired.
Always use the circuit breaker or furnace switch to cut power safely.
Pressing the Reset Button Correctly
After the wait, press the reset button firmly but briefly. Hold it down for about 5 seconds or as directed by your furnace’s instructions.
Don’t hold it too long because it could overheat the system. Release the button and turn the power back on.
Listen for the furnace to start, usually indicated by the blower running or the pilot light coming on. If your furnace doesn’t respond, wait a few minutes and try again.
If it still won’t start, it’s best to contact a professional, such as Sun Heating & Cooling, to avoid damage or safety risks.
What to Do if Your Furnace Does Not Reset
If your furnace doesn’t start after a reset, there are a few key areas to check. These include making sure your home’s power is flowing correctly, verifying thermostat settings, and ensuring the furnace filter isn’t clogged.
Focusing on these steps can often solve the problem without needing to call a technician.
Checking Circuit Breakers and Power Supply
The first thing to verify is the power supply to your furnace. Power outages might trip your home’s circuit breakers or blow a fuse.
Go to your electrical panel and check if the breaker linked to the furnace is in the ON position. If it’s tripped, flip it fully to OFF, then back to ON.
This resets the circuit. If you find a blown fuse instead, replace it with one of the same size and type.
Be sure the furnace’s power switch, usually located near the unit, is turned on. Sometimes it looks like a light switch and can accidentally be turned off during an outage.
If these steps don’t restore power, the problem might be more serious. At this point, it’s best to contact Sun Heating & Cooling for safe and expert help.
Inspecting the Thermostat
The thermostat controls when your furnace runs. After a power outage, it might lose its settings or turn off completely.
First, check if the thermostat display is lit. No display means no power, so confirm the thermostat’s batteries are good or that it’s wired correctly.
Make sure the thermostat is set to “Heat” mode and that the temperature is set higher than the room temperature. Sometimes the thermostat setting is accidentally switched to “Off” or “Cool” after a power disruption.
If your thermostat is programmable, reset it according to the instructions in its manual. This often clears error codes and restores normal function.
Finally, if you suspect the thermostat is faulty, a simple test is to temporarily bypass it by turning the furnace on manually. If the furnace runs, the thermostat likely needs repair or replacement.
Examining Furnace Filters
Dirty or clogged furnace filters can block airflow and cause safety sensors to shut down the system. After a power outage, check your filter to see if it is visibly dirty or dusty.
Filters should be replaced or cleaned regularly, especially during heavy use seasons. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making the furnace work harder and potentially triggering a safety shutdown.
Removing the filter is easy—usually found in a slot near the blower compartment. If it looks dirty, replace it with a new filter that matches your furnace’s size and type.
Keeping your filters clean not only helps your furnace restart properly but also improves indoor air quality and system efficiency.
Troubleshooting Common Furnace Issues After Power Outages
After a power outage, your furnace might face problems that keep it from working properly. You could see error lights, hear strange sounds, or face different challenges depending on whether you have a gas or electric furnace.
Knowing what to look for helps you fix these issues safely and quickly.
Error Codes and Indicator Lights
Many modern furnaces have indicator lights or display error codes when something is wrong. These signals can tell you if the furnace has a clogged filter, ignition failure, or a sensor problem.
Check your furnace’s manual for the meaning of any flashing lights or codes. Usually, a steady green light means normal operation, while blinking or red lights mean faults.
If you see an error code, try turning off the furnace for a few minutes and then turning it back on. This can reset minor errors.
If the code stays, you may need to call a professional like Sun Heating & Cooling to diagnose and fix the issue safely.
Unusual Sounds or Smells
After a power outage, your furnace might make sounds you don’t usually hear, such as banging, rattling, or whining. These could mean loose parts, a failing blower motor, or debris inside the unit.
If you smell gas or burning, turn off your furnace immediately and leave the house. Call your gas company or emergency services.
Never try to fix a gas leak yourself. For less urgent noises or smells, shutting down the furnace and scheduling an inspection with an HVAC expert will help prevent further damage and make sure your home stays safe and warm.
Gas Vs. Electric Furnace Considerations
Gas and electric furnaces have different reset needs after a power outage. Gas furnaces often require you to reset the pilot light or the gas valve switch.
Sometimes, the furnace’s safety system will lock the unit after a power loss, so you’ll need to reset a specific button or switch. Electric furnaces mainly rely on breaker resets.
Check your home’s breaker box and flip the switch for the furnace off, then on again. Make sure the thermostat is set to “heat” and at the right temperature.
If these steps don’t work, or if you’re unsure, call Sun Heating & Cooling to help. Gas systems especially need careful handling for safety and efficiency.
When to Call a Professional for Furnace Help
Sometimes, your furnace may have issues beyond a simple reset. Knowing when to call a professional can save you time, money, and keep your home safe.
Watch for signs that the problem could be serious or when expert service will improve your system’s performance.
Identifying Serious Problems
If your furnace won’t start even after trying to reset it, this could signal a deeper issue. Frequent shutdowns, strange noises like banging or rattling, or uneven heating are warning signs.
You should also look for unusual smells, like burning, or see if the furnace cycles on and off fast without properly heating your home. Other problems include a tripped circuit breaker that won’t stay reset or a thermostat that seems unresponsive despite being set correctly.
These can mean there is a wiring problem or a faulty component. If you see any of these signs, don’t keep trying to reset the furnace yourself.
Benefits of Expert Furnace Service
Calling in professionals, like the team at Sun Heating & Cooling, means you get skilled help fast. They can find and fix hidden problems that aren’t obvious, such as gas leaks, electrical faults, or worn-out parts.
This stops small issues from turning into costly repairs or unsafe conditions. Experts also ensure your furnace runs efficiently, which saves energy and lowers bills.
A professional service visit often includes a thorough inspection and maintenance that helps avoid future breakdowns. Plus, trained technicians can advise you on upgrades and replacements to keep your home warm and safe.
Tips for Preventing Furnace Issues in Future Outages
Keeping your furnace ready for power outages means staying ahead with regular care and protecting it from electrical problems. Small actions can help you avoid many common furnace issues when the power goes out.
Regular Furnace Maintenance
You should have your furnace checked at least once a year. This helps catch small problems before they cause a breakdown during an outage.
Cleaning or replacing filters regularly keeps air flowing well, which prevents the system from working too hard. Make sure the pilot light or ignition system is clean and working right.
If it’s dirty or faulty, your furnace may not restart after a power loss. Also, check that the thermostat uses fresh batteries and is set correctly.
If you’re unsure what to do, experts at Sun Heating & Cooling can help with proper maintenance. They ensure your furnace is working safely and efficiently, giving you peace of mind when the weather turns cold.
Investing in Surge Protectors
Power surges after outages can damage your furnace’s control board or other electrical parts. Using a surge protector made for HVAC systems helps protect these sensitive components.
You can install a whole-house surge protector or a smaller one specifically for your furnace. This device keeps sudden spikes in electricity from harming your system.
Consult a professional to pick the best surge protector for your furnace.
Sun Heating & Cooling offers advice and installation for surge protectors. They help defend your home’s heating system from damage during outages.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a power outage, your furnace may need a few simple steps to get running again. You might have to locate the reset button, check the pilot light, or reset your thermostat.
Sometimes cold air blows at first. You need to follow safety steps to avoid problems.
What are the steps to restart your furnace once the power comes back on?
First, check that your furnace is getting power. Turn off the furnace switch for 30 seconds and then turn it back on.
Press the reset button if your furnace has one. Make sure your thermostat is set to heat and at the right temperature.
Where can I find the furnace reset button?
The reset button is usually on the furnace’s motor or control panel. It might be a small red or black button.
Check around the blower motor or near the gas valve. If you can’t find it, refer to your furnace manual or ask a professional.
Do I need to manually relight my furnace’s pilot light after an outage?
Not always. Many newer furnaces have electronic ignition and relight automatically.
If your furnace has a standing pilot light, you may need to relight it manually. Follow the instructions on your furnace or call a technician from Sun Heating & Cooling if you’re unsure.
How do you reset the thermostat connected to a furnace after electricity has been restored?
Turn off the thermostat power or remove its batteries for a few seconds. Then, power it back on or reinstall the batteries.
Set the thermostat to heat mode and choose your desired temperature. This helps clear any errors caused by the power outage.
Why is my furnace blowing cold air after the power outage?
Cold air can come if the furnace did not restart properly. The pilot light might be out or the blower fan may be running without heat.
Your thermostat settings could also be off. Check these first, then try pressing the reset button or turning the furnace off and on again.
What safety precautions should I take when resetting my furnace post-outage?
Always turn off the power to the furnace before pressing the reset button.
Avoid pressing the reset button more than once or twice within a short time.
If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call your gas company or an expert.
