Your furnace is the workhorse of your home heating system. And like any mechanical system or appliance, it may encounter hiccups from time to time. In some cases, resetting the furnace can be a simple and effective solution to get it back on track. However, it’s important to understand the purpose of the reset button, when it’s a good idea to use it, and when to call in the help of a professional.

The Purpose of a Furnace Reset Button

The purpose of the reset button on a furnace is to shut it down before it can trip your circuit breaker. The need for this may arise if a furnace becomes too hot, or if there is an electrical system interruption. The furnace itself will detect the danger and engage its reset button as a safety measure.

In certain instances, you can manually press the reset button to give your furnace a “reboot” much like a computer. However, this should be done with extreme caution.

When To Consider a Reset

Sometimes, minor problems can fix themselves when you turn everything off and back on again. For example, a weak pilot light might reignite much stronger, or a thermostat taking strange readings might re-calibrate itself and work like new again. Additionally, if you’ve recently experienced a power outage, your furnace may not automatically resume operation once power is restored. In such cases, you can reset the furnace to ensure it starts afresh and functions properly.

Proceed With Caution

While anyone can hit the reset button on a furnace, you’re highly encouraged to call a professional for the job especially if the reset button is engaged because of overheating or system malfunction. Resetting a furnace can mask other problems and prevent you from noticing or fixing them in a timely manner. It can also spike your energy bills since the furnace is powering on and off repeatedly.

Here are just a few reasons why your furnace might keep resetting itself:

• Overuse
• Faulty electrical wiring
• Overheating
• A fuel shortage
• Leaks, breaks, or other issues

All in all, resetting a furnace should be a last and only occasional resort, not a frequent solution for a furnace that clearly needs repair. If you’ve had to reset your furnace more than once or twice, or if you suspect problems with it, it’s best to contact an HVAC professional right away. Contact C&D Heating & Cooling for prompt and expert solutions to all your home comfort needs.