How to Reset Your Furnace
From TemperaturePro Saskatoon’s HVAC Experts
Whether it’s after a power outage, a safety shutdown, or an unexpected service interruption, knowing how to properly reset your furnace can help restore warmth and comfort quickly and safely.
Why Do Furnaces Need Resetting?
Resetting your furnace isn’t just a simple “on/off” switch—it’s often a serviceable safety feature:
- Overheating or safety lockouts trigger thermal protection components that shut the system down. Resetting allows it to restart once conditions are safe again.
- Power interruptions– tripped breakers, or gas supply glitches can disrupt normal operation and require a controlled restart.
Step-by-Step Reset for Gas Furnaces
- Turn Off Power
Locate the furnace’s power switch—often a light switch on the unit—or flip the corresponding breaker (make sure to label this breaker for future use if not already labelled). - Temporarily Turn Down Your Thermostat
Set it to its lowest setting to avoid the system immediately firing up once restored. - Shut Off Main Gas Supply (Optional but Recommended)
Turn off the gas valve at the unit while leaving the pilot gas line active if applicable for your unit. - Relight Pilot (For Older Models)
If the pilot light has gone out, carefully relight it per your furnace manual. - Locate the Reset Button
Inside the blower compartment—often on or near the blower motor—there’s a red or yellow safety reset button. - Press and Hold the Reset Button
Hold it firmly for about 30 seconds (some sources recommend 10–30 seconds). You’ll often hear or feel a click when it activates. - Restore Power and Gas
Turn your breaker and power switch back on and re-open the gas valve. - Raise the Thermostat
Set your thermostat to your desired temperature—your furnace should ignite and operate normally
Resetting an Electric Furnace
If you have an electric model, the process is slightly simpler:
- Cut Power via Breaker
- Open Blower Compartment
- Press the Reset Button (usually located near the motor)
- Close the Cover and Turn Power Back On
- Test by Raising the Thermostat
When Reset Isn’t Enough — Call Us
A one-time reset is often harmless. But if the reset button trips repeatedly, don’t ignore it. Common underlying causes include:
- Overheating due to clogged air filters or restricted airflow
- Dirty flame sensors, causing ignition failures
- Fuel supply disruptions or a closed gas valve
- Safety failures—like cracked heat exchangers or blocked vents, repeated lockouts or ignition failures can strain your system or pose safety risks. That’s when it’s best to reach out to TemperaturePro Saskatoon for a full inspection.
Prevention Tips from the Pros
To minimize the need for manual resets:
- Change or clean your air filter regularly—ideally every 1–3 months
- Keep vents and ducts clean and unobstructed to maintain proper airflow.
- Schedule annual furnace maintenance, ensuring safety sensors, flame detection, and ignition systems are in prime operating condition.
Final Thoughts
Resetting your furnace is a useful and often a necessary step—but always done safely and only when underlying issues are resolved. TemperaturePro Saskatoon is proud to offer expert maintenance, rapid diagnostics, and reliable repairs tailored to keep your heating system safe and efficient, even through the toughest Saskatchewan winters.
Need help? Contact us now to book service or for emergency support. Keep warm and stay safe!
