When a power outage occurs, it’s essential to know how to reset your gas furnace to ensure it’s functioning correctly and safely. This detailed guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to reset your gas furnace after a power outage, addressing common issues and providing technical details to help you get your heating system back up and running.
Steps to Reset a Gas Furnace After a Power Outage
1. Check the Circuit Breaker
The first step in resetting your gas furnace is to check the circuit breaker. Locate the circuit breaker box and ensure the breaker for the furnace has not tripped. If it has, flip the breaker off, wait for 30 seconds, and then flip it back on. This helps ensure there is no residual power that could cause issues.
2. Check the Thermostat
Ensure the thermostat is set to the heating mode and the temperature is set high enough to trigger the furnace to turn on. If the thermostat has a battery backup, check the batteries and replace them if necessary.
3. Turn Off the Furnace Power
Switch off the power to the furnace at the furnace’s power switch. This is usually located near the furnace itself.
4. Access the Pilot Light (if applicable)
For older furnaces with a pilot light, you will need to access the pilot light area. Remove the access panel to expose the pilot light and gas control valve.
5. Turn Off the Gas Control Valve
Turn the gas control valve off and let the gas dissipate for about five minutes to prevent any fire hazards.
6. Relight the Pilot Light (if applicable)
If your furnace has a pilot light, turn the gas control valve back on and relight the pilot light using a barbecue lighter. Ensure the pilot light stays lit; if it does not, you may need professional assistance.
7. Reset the Furnace
If your furnace has a reset button (usually yellow or red), locate it near the blower motor or on the furnace itself. Press the reset button once for 30 seconds to reset the furnace. Avoid pressing the button multiple times, as this can engage the safety lock and potentially damage the furnace.
8. Turn On the Furnace Power
Switch the furnace power back on using the power switch. Wait a couple of minutes to see if the furnace starts operating normally.
Common Reasons for Resetting a Gas Furnace
Why Would a Circuit Breaker Trip?
The circuit breaker may trip during a power outage, requiring you to reset it.
Why Would the Reset Button Trip?
The reset button may trip due to safety mechanisms or power surges, requiring you to press it once to reset the furnace.
How Can Thermostat Issues Affect the Furnace?
Power outages can affect thermostat settings or battery power, necessitating a reset or battery replacement.
What Causes Pilot Light Issues?
For older furnaces, the pilot light may go out during a power outage and need to be relit.
Where is the Reset Button Located?
The reset button is typically located near the blower motor or on the furnace itself. It is usually yellow or red to make it easily identifiable.
Why Does the Reset Button Trip?
- Power Surges: During a power outage, power surges can trip the reset button as a safety measure.
- Safety Lock: Pressing the reset button multiple times can engage the safety lock, requiring professional assistance to reset.
- Electrical Issues: Internal electrical issues within the furnace can cause the reset button to trip, indicating a need for professional repair.
Technical Details and Tools Needed
Tools Required
A barbecue lighter for relighting the pilot light (if applicable), and no other specific tools are generally needed.
Measurements
There are no specific measurements required for this process.
Products or Materials
No additional products or materials are needed beyond what is already part of the furnace system.
