Modern furnaces have several safety mechanisms that ensure they work safely while warming your home during the chilly winter months. The reset button is one of the most important, popping out whenever a problem, like an interrupted gas supply, empty oil tank, or overheating, occurs. Understanding how the reset button works can help you identify serious issues within your furnace and discover when to call for professional help. Keep reading to learn more about the function of the reset button and signs it might be time to upgrade your furnace.
What Is a Furnace Reset Button?
The reset button is a critical safety feature that protects your furnace from overheating. It works with the furnace’s limit switch, which measures the temperature inside the furnace and air handler, where the blower fan operates. If the temperature of either the blower fan or the furnace rises above a set level, the limit switch will immediately trigger the reset button to shut down the furnace.
This safety feature protects the furnace from heat damage. If the heating system continued running when it was too hot, it could quickly melt the electrical wiring and damage various components. Electrical issues that cause a furnace safety reset switch to pop could range from simple power outages to serious underlying problems.
The location of the reset button varies from system to system, depending on the make and model of your heating system. Typically, you’ll find it inside the air handler, either next to or above your furnace. In most newer systems, the button is often directly next to the blower motor, while in older systems, it may be harder to spot as it is sometimes underneath or behind the motor.
The reset button is often made of yellow or red plastic and marked with a large “R ” to make it easier to spot. You can check if it has tripped by checking its position. If the button sticks out from the surface, it has tripped, and you’ll need to reset your furnace.
What Causes the Reset Button to Trip?
Your furnace reset button may trip for several reasons, from simple clogs to serious electrical issues. Some of the most common furnace reset button problems include:
- Overheating: The most common reason the reset button trips is overheating. Furnaces typically overheat because not enough cold air enters the system, and most of the heat they produce remains trapped inside the unit.
- Dirty filters: Clogged air filters are the most common cause of overheating. If you haven’t replaced your air filter within the past month or two, do so before resetting your furnace.
- Obstructed supply vents: Check that most of your supply vents are open and that neither the supply nor return vents are clogged or obstructed. These issues can also reduce airflow and cause the furnace to overheat.
- Electrical issues: A loose connection, damaged wiring, or other electrical problem can cause a short and overload the heating system’s electrical circuit.
While occasional tripping of your furnace reset button may be due to a minor issue, frequent tripping often indicates a more serious problem that may require replacement. If your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, frequent tripping could be a sign that it’s struggling to operate efficiently and has undergone significant wear and tear. Using an aging furnace that trips frequently can lead to increased energy usage, inadequate heating, and potential fire hazards.
If your furnace keeps tripping the reset button, contact a reputable HVAC technician for an inspection. They’ll troubleshoot the furnace reset issue to determine the underlying cause and evaluate whether repair or replacement is the most effective solution.
Benefits of Replacing an Old Furnace
Replacing your aging furnace with a new model offers several benefits, including:
- Enhanced safety features: Modern furnaces feature advanced safety systems with a reduced risk of carbon monoxide leaks and system failures.
- Reduced energy usage: New furnaces have higher efficiency ratings, keeping your energy usage and utility bills down.
- Elevated home comfort: Frequent tripping causes constant interruptions in your home heating. Upgrading your furnace ensures your home has reliable heat when you need it most.
- Improved indoor air quality: New models feature advanced filtration systems that catch airborne contaminants and improve the indoor air quality of your home.
How to Identify When It’s Time for a New Furnace
If you constantly have to reset your furnace, it’s likely a sign that it’s time for an upgrade. Frequent tripping often indicates a serious issue within your furnace, and repairs usually outweigh the replacement cost. Other signs that your furnace is on its last legs include:
- Rising energy bills: An aging furnace requires more energy to heat your home. If your utility bills are rising, consider upgrading to an energy-efficient model.
- Constant breakdowns: If you constantly have to repair your furnace, replacement is likely a more reliable and cost-effective solution.
- Strange noises: Banging, rattling, or screeching noises from your furnace often signal serious issues requiring replacement.
- Inadequate heating: If your furnace won’t turn on or is struggling to heat your home, it’s likely failing due to wear and tear or broken components.
- Age: Furnaces typically only last between 10 and 15 years. If yours is nearing the end of this range, it’s best to replace it before it fails completely.
Choosing the Right Furnace for Replacement
Professional installation is a must when upgrading to a new furnace. Attempting to install a furnace without proper training and knowledge often results in improper installation, poor function, and potential safety hazards.
Contacting a trusted HVAC company in Nampa like Express Plumbing ensures proper furnace installation, keeping your household safe and warm for years to come. They’ll discuss your home size, heating requirements, and budget to find the right model for your needs. They’ll also assess your current HVAC systems for compatibility and find the most energy-efficient option.
Call Express Plumbing for Furnace Replacement Today!
Don’t spend hours searching for HVAC companies near you. Contact the team at Express Plumbing Heating & Air for furnace services today! Our certified technicians will quickly diagnose your furnace issues and determine the most reliable and cost-effective solution.
We offer comprehensive heating and cooling services in the Boise, Nampa, and Caldwell areas. Call us today to schedule a furnace inspection, repair, or replacement!
