To reset a furnace or HVAC blower motor, first turn off the power. Locate the blower compartment on your indoor unit and find the small, usually red or yellow, button on the side or back of the motor housing. Press it firmly, wait 15-30 minutes for it to cool, then restore power.
The blower motor reset button is usually a small, red or yellow button located directly on the motor housing, inside the blower compartment of your air handler or furnace.
Otherwise, clear away any dust or debris with a rag, making sure to work gently. Reset the Motor. Most blower motors are controlled by a red or black switch on the side of the unit. Hold the button down for a few seconds (the manual will tell you precisely how long), then release.
If it doesn't start at all, you can press the button one more time. But, if you press the reset button and your furnace goes on and turns off again, don't press the button again. Continuing to press the reset button can damage your system. Doing so will pump more oil into the furnace and worsen any existing issues.
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.
The furnace reset button is typically a small, prominent red or yellow button located inside the furnace cabinet, usually on the side of the blower motor housing or near the burner assembly.
Diagnosing a faulty blower motor versus a bad resistor typically comes down to what fan speeds are working. If the fan only works on the highest setting, the resistor is usually the culprit. If the fan doesn't work on any speed, or if it makes strange noises, the motor itself is likely failing.
To reset your furnace, turn off the power at the main breaker or emergency switch and wait 30 seconds to 5 minutes before turning it back on. This brief wait allows the electrical components to fully power down and ensures the system's computer reboots properly.
A bad furnace blower motor usually causes weak airflow, strange noises (screaking or grinding), overheating, or completely failing to turn on. The quickest way to check if it's dead is to inspect if the fan wheel spins freely by hand or if it has seized.
The heat exchanger is often considered the most costly part of a furnace to repair or replace. It is a critical component that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that circulates throughout your home. Over time, heat exchangers can crack due to the constant heating and cooling cycles they undergo.
Knowing the common causes of blower motor failure and how to fix them can save much time and money.
To get your furnace to kick on, first verify your thermostat is set to "Heat" and raised at least 5 degrees above room temperature. Next, check that the furnace power switch (usually resembling a standard light switch on or near the unit) is toggled "ON".
The reset button for your HVAC system depends on the component you are trying to reset. Typically, it is either a dedicated red or yellow reset button located on your outdoor condenser or indoor furnace/air handler, or you can perform a system reset using your main electrical panel or local shut-off switch.
If your furnace fan won't turn on, first check your thermostat to ensure it’s set to "Heat" and the fan mode is on "Auto." Next, verify that the furnace is receiving power by checking the circuit breaker and ensuring the safety door panel is tightly closed.
To fix a furnace that is short cycling (turning on and off rapidly without completing a full heating cycle), first replace your clogged air filter, check that all room registers are open, and ensure the outdoor exhaust vent is clear of debris.
If pressing the reset button yields no response, this may result from a circuit breaker that has tripped or a blown fuse connected to the furnace's electrical circuit. It's essential to verify the status of the circuit breaker in your electrical panel and ensure that the furnace's circuit is active.
To reset a furnace blower motor, turn off power to the furnace using the emergency switch or the circuit breaker. Wait 2-3 minutes, then locate the red or yellow reset button typically found on the blower motor housing. Press it firmly, and restore power.
This usually means a bad capacitor, blower motor, or thermostat issue. Can I run my furnace without the blower? No. The furnace will overheat and shut down for safety.
On average, a furnace blower motor lasts between 10 and 20 years. However, this lifespan can be significantly shortened by a lack of maintenance, specifically if air filters are not changed regularly, causing the motor to overheat and overwork.
5 Warning Signs It's Time for Furnace Replacement
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.
A typical furnace runs for approximately 10 to 15 minutes per cycle, cycling three to eight times per hour. A short cycling system runs for less than five minutes, then quickly restarts, often cycling much more frequently. This pattern prevents efficient heating and creates massive strain on your equipment.
A bad blower motor—whether in your car or home HVAC system—struggles to push air effectively. Common symptoms include weak or no airflow from the vents, abnormal noises like grinding or squealing, strange burning smells, and a fan that works intermittently or stops entirely.
Replacing a blower motor resistor typically costs between $90 and $300 for parts and labor. The part alone runs about $20 to $100, while labor takes a mechanic 30 to 90 minutes, adding another $50 to $200 depending on your vehicle's make and model.
The blower motor resistor is typically mounted directly to the HVAC air duct, usually under the passenger-side dashboard, directly next to or underneath the blower motor housing itself.