Easily Reset Your Furnace or Heat Pump
With the heat running constantly as the days get colder, you may run into appliance issues that call for a reset. Depending on your type of furnace, you may need to reset the machine to avoid tripping the circuit breaker or to avoid system damages. Heat pumps can also be reset to ensure your home is being supplied with warm air that keeps your family safe. Here are a few tips to ensure you can safely reset your heating system before the house gets too cold.
Gas Furnace
If your home has a gas furnace, start by ensuring the pilot light is out. Turn the thermostat down to the lowest possible temperature. If your furnace uses electronic ignition, turn off the power supply. Then turn off the main gas supply but keep the gas supply to the pilot open. This process resets your gas furnace if it’s an older model that doesn’t have a reset button.
You can then relight the pilot or press the button for the spark ignition. Turn the power back on and open the main gas line. If your furnace has a reset button, press it, then hold it for about 30 seconds to a full minute. The final step is to raise your thermostat to its preferred temperature.
Oil Furnace
Before resetting an oil furnace, check for any potential issues in the machine. If you need to reset it because of a power outage or blackout, all you need to do is press the button. If the furnace ran out of fuel, you’ll need to bleed out the fuel after refilling the tank with oil.
To bleed out a fuel line, find the small black box called the bleeder valve and put a large tub below it. Confirm your oil furnace is on and let the fuel run into the container until there is a steady stream of oil with no interruptions. Close the valve and press the reset button. Your oil furnace should now run normally if no other issues are present. You can put the extra fuel back into the tank. Always consult a professional before attempting any maintenance, repairs or replacements on your furnace.
Electrical Furnace
This type of furnace is the easiest to reset of the three. Start by either turning off the power switch on the furnace or flipping the circuit breaker. Locate the reset button and press it for about 30 seconds or until it clicks. Once power is restored to the furnace, it should begin functioning regularly.
If the reset button doesn’t activate, the furnace may be suffering from overheating or an electrical issue. There may also be issues with the flame sensor, fuel line or filter. Professional technicians have the expertise and experience to find and repair issues in your home heating system and prevent future damages.
Heat Pump
You may have a heat pump instead of a furnace to save costs and promote energy efficiency in your home. Turn down the thermostat to its lowest setting before going outside to the heat pump. Your pump may have a light that will be green if functioning correctly or red or yellow if there’s an issue. Turn off the power switches, which can be on the wall nearby or on the pump itself. Then turn off the electrical breakers.
After everything is off, wait up to five minutes, and the heat pump should be reset. You must then flip everything back on in the opposite order it was turned off. Start with the electrical breakers before turning on the switches and then readjusting the thermostat back to its desired temperature.
Your heat pump may need a reset due to electrical issues, power outages, or issues with the thermostat. Its function can also be affected by dirty or clogged filters that can wear down and potentially damage the system. With proper care and professional maintenance, you can keep your heat pump running smoothly all year long.
Heating and Cooling Specialist
Protect your home all season long by relying on our professional services at Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.. We can provide you with expert furnace and air conditioning repair, maintenance, and installation as well as ductwork inspections and attic insulation services. We’re proud to be a family-owned business that treats every client like a family member with regards to respect, quality, and one-of-a-kind service. Call one of our experienced technicians in Anaheim, CA, for specialized, expert care, and professionalism.