Why does my oil burner keep tripping the reset button?

Author: Jarvis Frami  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Closed valves: If you've got oil in your tank but your oil reset button keeps tripping, something is preventing that fuel from getting to your burner. Have any of the valves on your fuel line been closed accidentally? Be sure to check before going any further.

Why does my oil furnace keep tripping reset?

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.

Why does the reset button keep popping out on my boiler?

the reset button acts like a trip switch, it pops out when there is a fault in boiler, for example the boiler overheats. So you just need to push the reset button, then switch the boiler on and see if the boiler will start. is the spark clear, there are sometimes problems where the spark is not enough to ignite gas...

Why does my oil boiler keep needing to be reset?

When it starts to fail or gets weak it may cause a delay to ignite your electrodes to allow the burner to light. When you reset it do you get a little puff of smoke which is caused from unburned oil. If your boiler doesn't lite within a certain time on a call for heat the safety shuts it down.

Why does my furnace reset button keep popping?

A heating system reset button is a vital function of your heating and cooling system. Created to rapidly turn the system off, the feature is essential to securely heat your house. If your furnace reset button keeps tripping, it's most likely that your heater is overheating.

Oil Burner Keeps Tripping The Reset Button:

Why does my heater keep tripping the reset button?

Overheating is the number one cause of reset button trips. If your furnace is cloistered somewhere where there isn't enough airflow, it may become overheated repeatedly, leading to frequent reset button trips. No Fuel.

How do I stop my furnace from popping?

Here are two ways to solve the problem:
  1. Seal and insulate your ducts. Wrapping your ducts in insulation should solve your “cold winter morning” heating duct popping noise. ...
  2. Replace your ducts. Replacing your ducts is usually more cost effective than insulating them.

Why does my oil boiler keep tripping?

Overheating boiler: Lack of maintenance can lead to a buildup of sludge and scale inside the boiler, which hampers heat transfer and leads to overheating. Modern boilers have safety mechanisms that detect overheating and shut down the system by tripping the electrical supply to prevent damage.

How many times can you press the reset button on an oil burner?

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. Best thing to do is have a local furnace man service your oil burner.

Why does my furnace keep shutting off and needs to be reset?

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.

Why does the reset button keep popping out?

If the reset button pops back out again as soon as you press it, you may need to replace the outlet or call an electrician to do so.

Why does my boiler reset button keep flashing?

A flashing red light on your boiler usually indicates a problem with the ignition process. It could also mean other things, depending on the make and model of your boiler. If you see a flashing red light, it's important to consult your boiler's manual or call a qualified engineer to diagnose and fix the problem.

How many times can you reset a boiler?

Call a professional

If you have tried to reset the boiler three times, and it still hasn't restarted, then you probably have a fault with the boiler. You should call a gas engineer in to diagnose and repair the underlying fault.

How to tell if an oil burner motor is bad?

Check to See If the Oil Burner Motor Switch Is Tripped

As soon as you reset the burner motor, you should hear it come on. If the motor doesn't come on or starts making lots of loud or unusual noises, you can be fairly certain that it needs to be replaced as burner motors are generally not designed to be serviceable.

Why does the reset button keep tripping on my gas boiler?

Constantly having to press the reset button on your boiler is often a sign that there is a fault in your heating system. Don't be tempted to ignore constant boiler resets. The underlying fault will invariably lead to problems, maybe even boiler breakdown in the future.

What would cause a furnace to keep tripping breaker?

Cause #1: Airflow issues

That can lead to a tripped breaker. The most common airflow issues are clogged filters, blocked supply registers, and blocked return air vents. Clogged ducts or leaky air ducts can also disrupt airflow and cause the furnace to work harder and run longer, with a tripped breaker as the result.

Why does my oil furnace keep tripping the reset button?

Obstructed airflow: Sometimes the reset button gets tripped because the furnace isn't receiving enough airflow. Make sure to clean the air filters and keep enough vents open so the furnace has enough air to operate and clean the blower wheel as well.

How many years does an oil burner last?

Theoretically, the lifespan of an oil furnace is around 25 years. This estimate depends on a number of factors, in particular the amount of regular and preventive maintenance that was done on the equipment over the years. A well-maintained oil furnace has a much longer lifespan than one that was neglected.

How long do you hold the reset button on a furnace?

Typically, the reset button would be yellow or red, so it shouldn't be too difficult to spot. The button will pop out if your furnace gets too hot or experiences an electrical interruption. If you need to reset your furnace, press the button for 30 seconds only once.

Why do I have to keep pressing the reset button on my oil boiler?

Sometimes, there has just been a glitch or a false reading, and resetting the boiler will solve the problem and it will be back to normal again. However, if it constantly trips, it's more likely that there's a problem with pressure, temperature or flow, which could mean an issue with the pump or the heat exchanger.

What 3 things could cause a boiler to trip?

Common causes of a boiler tripping the fuse box include:
  • Faulty thermostat.
  • Faulty pressure relief valve.
  • Faulty pump.
  • A buildup of limescale in the system.
  • A wiring or electrical problem.

Why is my oil boiler banging?

Usually, the temperature is too high, and overheated boiler pipes create a banging noise. If this continues, there may be a build-up of debris, rust or sludge in your pipes, such as hard-water-build-up.

Why does my furnace keep banging?

Dirty or clogged burners in a furnace can trigger disruptive banging noises during operation. Over time, these burners accumulate dirt, dust, or debris, hindering their functionality. When the furnace starts up, the blockage interferes with ignition, causing a delayed ignition.

Why does my furnace keep popping?

Banging, popping and rattling noises often indicate there is a problem with the blower assembly, motor, or furnace burners. Repeated clicking noises often indicate that there is a problem with your furnace's ignition system.

What causes a furnace fuse to pop?

In an electric furnace, if the thermostat wire touches the metal frame of the furnace, it can cause a blown fuse. When the wire touches the metal frame, it can deliver a higher voltage than the wires are meant to handle. This will cause a fuse to blow.

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