Simple problems with your heating can be fixed by resetting a furnace.It involves turning the power to your furnace off, checking the basic elements of the furnace, and waiting a little while before turning it back on.Problems with your furnace usually stem from issues with the filter or pilot light, both of which can be fixed during a reset.If you reset your furnace, you can save yourself a potentially expensive repair bill.
Step 1: On the side of the furnace, flip the light switch.
Every furnace has at least one electrical component.Electricity is used to power the fan and motor.Shut off the electrical components of your furnace.There is a light switch on the exterior of your furnace.If you flip the switch, you can shut down the power to the furnace fan and motor.Some old furnaces don't have a switch.If your furnace does not have a switch, simply ignore this step and turn off the breaker.The light switch has an electrical box to hold the wires, just like a regular outlet.If your furnace kicks on when you flip the switch, you might be trying to fix it.
Step 2: You can turn off the furnace's breaker by flipping the switch.
You can find the room where your furnace is installed by going to your building's fuse box.To shut off the electricity in the room, you need to flip the switches to the off position.This will make sure that background processes and electrical inputs are off.If your box isn't labeled, you should flip the breakers off.Other than the food in your refrigerator getting a little warm, you aren't going to cause any damage by leaving the breakers off.
Step 3: Wait 5 minutes for all electrical components to stop working.
Some older furnaces have rudimentary computers in them.Wait at least 5 minutes to make sure the electrical components are completely shut down.Waiting at least 5 minutes ensures that the minimum time threshold is met in some furnaces.
Step 4: The front panel of your furnace can be opened or closed.
There is a panel on the front of the furnace.If the electrical components are still off, you can remove the panel by either lifting it out of the slot or pinching the slides inward.You will need to remove the panels on the front of the furnace.Look in the corners of the panels to see which one is removed.The will will be put into the body of the furnace.The other one can be removed.
Step 5: To see how dirty the air filter is, pull it out.
While your furnace is off and the door is open, look for a flat cardboard or plastic frame that occupies a slot between the side, top, or bottom of the furnace.This is what your filter looks like.Pull it out and check the filter.It is possible to replace or clean your furnace filter.The filter is disposable if it has a cardboard frame.It is a reuse if it has a plastic frame.Warm water and a clean cloth can be used to clean a plastic filter.If you want to replace disposable filters, buy a filter that is the same size as the original and slide it in.The dimensions for a disposable filter are printed on the side of the frame.A dirty filter is one of the most common causes of poor air flow or heat.
Step 6: Read the gauge on the oil tank to make sure it's full.
If you have an oil furnace, look at the top of the tank for a small glass or metal gauge with numbers on it.One of the pipe connections is usually where it is affixed.There is an oil gauge.You need to refill the oil on your tank if the gauge is red.Go to the access pipe and remove the cap from the tank.You can use a funnel to fill it.Since you have to be in possession of a large amount of heating oil, this is a service that homeowners pay their heating company to perform.You can use diesel fuel to heat your home in an emergency.
Step 7: The thermostat should be set to kick on when the heat is on.
When you restart the furnace, turn the heat up on the thermostat or control unit.Set your thermostat to at least 75 F if it is 70 degrees.If it is warm, set your thermostat to 85 F.You don't have to worry about the temperature sensors on your thermostat interfering with your restart.If you don't set the thermostat to "heat", the furnace will not work if it's not turned on.
Step 8: Close the front panel and make sure your filter is secure.
Before closing the front panel, make sure the filter is in place.Put the panel in its original position by lifting it up.Pull the sliders out of the panel when it's resting in place.
Step 9: The furnace's breaker needs to be flipped back on.
The first thing to do is to flip the breaker for the furnace's room.Ensure that electricity is flowing to every part of the room by checking the other light switches and appliances.Wait at least 10 seconds.If you flipped the main, ignore the room specific breakers.
Step 10: Wait 30 minutes for the electricity to be turned back on.
After you confirm that the electricity in the room is working, flip the switch for the power on your furnace and wait 30 seconds for it to turn on.You should be able to hear the fan kicking in under a minute.It may take longer for a furnace to start.Make sure your furnace is getting accurate information from the control by checking the thermostat again.
Step 11: If you have a pilot light, make sure it's lit.
You can find your pilot light by looking for a metal tube running from your gas valve to the bottom of your furnace.If there is a small flame at the end of the tube, it's time to bend or lay down.If you don't see a small flame coming from the pipe, press the button on the gas valve or dial "pilot" and wait 20 to 45 seconds before lighting the end of thepipe with a long lighter or match.The small button or dial next to the pilot light opens the valve.It takes a few seconds to get enough gas in the pipe.The newer furnaces do not have pilot lights.If you need to keep the panel open to prime the furnace, tape down the safety switch.
Step 12: Look at the sight glass or control unit.
The front of the furnace has a sight glass.It is possible to see the diagnostic light inside of your furnace with a glass cover that is anywhere from 1–4 inches wide.A newer furnace may have an electrical panel that gives readings.When your furnace is running, make sure that the diagnostic reading is clear by inspecting both of them.A steady green light is the diagnostic sign on older furnaces.On every furnace with a diagnostic unit, there is a piece of paper taped to the inside of the panel.There is a glossary in this piece of paper.If you have a blinking light or non-green color on the diagnostic unit, use this sheet.