Does restarting furnace help?

Author: Prof. Aidan Swift  |  Last update: Monday, December 1, 2025

Fortunately, resetting a furnace is a simple procedure that can resolve a number of issues with your unit. When faced with problems with your gas furnace, you should always try restarting the unit first to see if the system goes back to normal.

How long to leave the furnace off to reset?

Leave the breaker(s) off for at least 10 minutes while the system is off and “rebooting.” After 10 minutes have elapsed, go back to the breaker box and flip the HVAC breaker(s) back on.

How do you know if your furnace needs to be reset?

Why Your Furnace May Need To Be Reset
  1. The furnace has overheated: When your furnace runs too hot, it triggers a safety shut-off to prevent damage. ...
  2. The fuel supply is empty: Your furnace can't generate heat without fuel. ...
  3. The gas valve is shut: A closed valve blocks the fuel supply.

Is it good to turn your furnace off and on?

Efficiency: Frequently turning the furnace on and off can lead to increased wear and tear on the system and may reduce efficiency. It's usually better to set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and let the furnace operate as designed.

Should I restart my furnace?

Fortunately, resetting a furnace is a simple procedure that can resolve a number of issues with your unit. When faced with problems with your gas furnace, you should always try restarting the unit first to see if the system goes back to normal.

Why do I have to keep resetting my furnace?

How many times can you reset a furnace?

You should not reset the burner more than two or three times, the reason is you may be pumping some fuel into the heat exchanger that is not igniting. When it does ignite, it will poof and snort and smoke up your house.

Can I turn my furnace off and on again?

Find the switch mounted on or near the furnace and turn the power off. If you can't find a switch at the furnace you can turn off the circuit breaker to the furnace at the main circuit breaker box. Wait about 10 seconds. Turn the switch or breaker back on and check the furnace to see that it has power again.

Is it OK for my furnace to run constantly?

During the coldest days in winter, it is normal for a furnace to run almost constantly to keep the home warm. As long as the furnace is running efficiently and not making strange noises, the constant operation is likely nothing to worry about. But in general, your furnace should not constantly be running.

Is it OK to turn off furnace in summer?

So you have the option to turn off your furnace but should you? The main reason for shutting down your furnace in the summer is to save money. With older furnaces that may be worth it but your best bet is to compare previous summer heating bills to see how much you could save.

Why is my furnace not kicking on for heat?

Make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” and the temperature is high enough to turn on the furnace. Go to your electrical panel and check the circuit breaker. If it's tripped, reset it and turn the furnace back on. Check your furnace filter and if it's dirty replace it with a new one.

Why do I have to keep pushing the reset button on my furnace?

Furnace Overheating

Overheating of Furnaces also triggers the reset button to trip and shut off your furnace. This event may occur when your furnace is not receiving adequate air flow thus overheating it. Therefore, ensure to check the air filters and the vents to ensure there is proper airflow.

How much is a new furnace?

Ask twenty professional HVAC contractors the question, “How Much Does A New Furnace Cost?” and you'll probably get the same answer... “It depends.” On average, the cost of a new furnace can range from $2,000 - $14,2001. However, factors like furnace efficiency, type, size, and much more can impact this range.

When should I turn my furnace back on?

For most customers, we recommend turning on your furnace when the weather is consistently below 18° Celsius, which usually happens to be around the end of September, or early October. Some homeowners try to put off turning on their furnace as long as they can to save money, which is okay if you're healthy adults.

Why is my furnace fan on but no heat?

Check Furnace Thermostat Settings

Incorrect thermostat settings can be the cause behind no heat coming out of the vents, even with the furnace blower turned on. Check the thermostat to ensure the setting is in HEAT instead of COOL. It is a common mistake that happens. The fan runs continuously when it is switched on.

Is it OK to turn your furnace off at night?

Do not turn your furnace off during nighttime, but instead leave it on at a temperature setting of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This happens to be the optimal temperature for your heating system to operate at so you might as well leave it on.

Is it bad for a furnace to run constantly in extreme cold weather?

"Your system's [furnaces] aren't designed to run in temperatures that are below-zero for long periods of times," Marchand said. To help alleviate some of the stress off of systems during these cold temperatures, set your thermostat a few degrees lower than what you're used to.

How often should a furnace turn on and off?

Generally, a furnace cycle lasts anywhere between three to 10 times every hour; however, the frequency changes depending on several factors. If your furnace is cycling on and off more frequently than it should, there could be a problem with one of its internal components.

How to reset a thermostat?

Most modern thermostats will have a clearly marked reset button inside the panel. It's usually small and recessed, so you might need a pointed object like a paperclip to press it. For those wondering specifically how to reset air conditioner thermostat models, the process is generally the same.

What happens if I turn my furnace off?

The main risks of turning off your furnace include: Frozen or burst pipes. Structural damage to your home from contraction and expansion. Health adversities from decreasing indoor temperatures.

How do I restart my furnace?

First, turn off the power supply to the furnace by turning off the breaker in the circuit box. Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. It is usually located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. Be cautious, as the housing may be hot.

How long to hold the reset button on a furnace?

Turn the power back on, then the main gas supply. Press and hold the reset button for about 30 seconds. Raise your thermostat to the desired temperature. This should ignite your furnace.

What happens if a furnace runs constantly?

Your blower is probably the cause of a constantly running furnace if the system is turned on but doesn't produce any warm air. Corroded wires or a blown fuse can cause this issue. Since this problem involves electrical components, contact a technician to fix the problem safely.

What causes a puff back?

Clogged burners, damaged oil fuel nozzles, clogged exhausts, broken heat exchangers, and ventilation issues can all cause gas to build up in the ignition chamber and eventually lead to a puff back. You're more likely to experience puff backs if you have an oil furnace.

What trips a furnace limit switch?

Common Causes of High Limit Switch Tripping

Dirty Air Filters: One of the simplest reasons is a dirty air filter. Over time, filters can accumulate dust and debris, causing a restriction in airflow.

Previous article
Which is healthier, Teflon or ceramic?
Next article
Do you need a permit to dig a foundation?