Is it safe to hit the reset button on a furnace?

Author: Malinda Beahan  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

If you need to reset your furnace, press the button for 30 seconds only once. Pressing the button several times will engage the safety lock and may even damage the unit.

Is it okay to reset a furnace?

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 the furnace becomes too hot, or if there is some sort of electrical system interruption. To get the furnace working again, you simply press the reset button back down again.

How many times can I hit the reset button on my 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.

What fails first on a furnace?

If the flame sensor fails, your furnace may not be able to start or may shut down shortly after starting. Common causes of flame sensor failure include corrosion, dirt buildup, or a broken wire. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the furnace. If the gas valve fails, your furnace won't be able to produce heat.

What happens if I push the reset button on my thermostat?

Misreading Room Temperature: If your thermostat reads the wrong temperature, it won't kick the HVAC system on at the right times. Resetting can recalibrate the temperature sensor. Failure to Turn On HVAC System: A thermostat reset reboots its system and attempts to restart normal functioning.

beckett AF oil burner tripping out every day or so

How long do you hold reset button on thermostat?

The time you need to hold it can vary, but generally, 5-10 seconds should suffice. Wait and Observe: After releasing the reset button, wait for the thermostat to reboot. This might take a few minutes. Watch for the display to turn back on, indicating that the thermostat is resetting.

What does a reset button do?

Many computers, especially older models, have user accessible "reset" buttons that assert the reset line to facilitate a system reboot in a way that cannot be trapped (i.e. prevented) by the operating system, or holding a combination of buttons on some mobile devices.

What is the most common furnace failure?

One of the most common furnace problems is a malfunctioning thermostat. A sure sign your thermostat isn't working properly is if your fan is constantly running. This will cause your thermostat battery to run, and cause your furnace to work inefficiently.

Can a furnace burn a house down?

As stated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating systems like furnaces are a major cause of home fires, contributing to almost 50,000 blazes, 500 civilian deaths and more than $1 billion in significant property damage every year.

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.

How long to leave 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.

Why do I keep having to hit the reset button on my furnace?

If a furnace isn't receiving enough airflow, it may overheat and trigger the reset button to trip. Make sure to clean or replace the air filters and keep the air vents open enough for proper airflow. Occasionally, the flame sensor rod may be coated with dirt and debris, causing the furnace to shut off.

How do I reset my furnace without the reset button?

Steps to Reset Your Furnace

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.

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.

Will a furnace shut off if it gets too hot?

All modern furnaces have a furnace limit switch. The switch, which works in tandem with the blower to ensure the appliance is at a safe temperature, will turn off the burners if the temperature gets too hot, only letting them start again when it's safe to do so.

What shuts down a furnace?

One of the most common causes of a furnace shutting off unexpectedly is low airflow. If your furnace keeps turning off, check for issues such as: Dirty Air Filters. A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat.

Does house insurance cover house burning down?

If a fire destroys or partially damages your home, dwelling coverage may pay to rebuild or repair the home. Your insurance policy may also provide additional coverage to remove any debris, rubble, or collapsed sections of the dwelling.

How do you heat a house with a broken furnace?

6 Ways to Creatively Heat Your House If Your Furnace Broke
  1. Dress in Layers. Your first step when you're trying to stay warm should be to preserve as much of your body heat as possible. ...
  2. Section Off the House. ...
  3. Use Your Oven. ...
  4. Use Hot Water. ...
  5. Space Heaters. ...
  6. Fireplaces.

What is the average life of a furnace?

The Average Furnace Lifespan

A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.

What is the most expensive repair on a furnace?

A heat exchanger replacement is often one of the most costly repairs in a furnace, and the expense can sometimes rival that of installing a new furnace. Typical replacement costs vary widely but can easily reach several thousand dollars, especially if labor costs are factored in.

Why is my furnace heat not turning on?

There are several reasons why your furnace may not turn on. The most common include a broken thermostat, gas line issues, clogged air filters, blocked ductwork, a tripped circuit breaker, and issues with the furnace itself.

What does "hit the reset button" mean?

When you press the reset button, the device or system will typically undergo a reset process. This process may involve shutting down and restarting the device, clearing temporary data and cache, resetting configurations to default values, and reinitializing hardware components.

What happens when reset button is pressed?

The reset button on the front of the case resets (powers off then back on) the machine while it is running. It does nothing while the machine is powered off. It should only be used if the PC is completely frozen. The sudden power loss can result in data loss or corruption.

What happens if I reset my thermostat?

It will turn completely off, and depending on the type of thermostat, it may reset to factory settings. The entire process should take less than a minute. Once it has finished resetting, you can adjust the controls to achieve a desirable indoor temperature.

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