Fixing a Furnace After a Power Outage

Has a power outage rendered your furnace lifeless? Winters in Oregon can be unforgiving without a functioning furnace. But fear not! There's no need to be left in the cold. With a few insightful checks and tweaks, you can reignite the warmth in your home.

Power outages, whether caused by storms, grid issues, or other external factors, can be more than just a fleeting inconvenience. For homeowners in Oregon, a subsequent furnace malfunction can be a cause for concern, especially during those chilly nights. Thankfully, the issue is often minor and can be resolved without calling a technician. However, it’s essential to approach the situation methodically. With guidance from Best Owner Direct, let's explore some first-response measures you can take to get your furnace up and running post-outage.

Ensure Your Furnace is Still Switched On

It might sound obvious, but in the aftermath of a power outage, some systems might not automatically turn back on. Check your furnace switch, typically located on or near the unit. Sometimes, these switches resemble a regular light switch and can be easily flipped off during routine activities. Ensure that this switch is in the 'ON' position. If it's off, simply flip it back on and wait for a few minutes. Your furnace might just spring back to life.

Check the Circuit Breaker

Power outages can occasionally cause a surge or interruption that trips your home's circuit breakers, including the one dedicated to your furnace. The circuit breaker acts as a safety device, preventing potential damage or hazards by cutting off the electrical flow to certain circuits if it detects an anomaly. Before delving into the intricacies of your furnace, it's wise to first inspect the breaker panel, ensuring that the power pathway to your heating system hasn't been unintentionally severed. Let's guide you through the steps to check and possibly reset your furnace's circuit breaker:

• Locate Your Circuit Breaker Panel: The circuit breaker panel, often known as the electrical service panel, is usually located in utility areas of your home like the basement, garage, or storage closet.
• Open the Panel: Gently open the door or lid of the panel. Inside, you'll see an array of switches. These switches correspond to different circuits in your home.
• Identify the Furnace Breaker: Scan the labels next to each switch. These labels should indicate which switch corresponds to which part of your home. Look for labels like “furnace,” “HVAC,” or “heating.”
• Check the Breaker Switch: The breaker switch for your furnace should be in the 'ON' position, typically aligned with the other switches. If it’s in the middle or in the 'OFF' position, it may have tripped during the power outage.
• Check for Other Tripped Breakers: It's a good practice to scan for any other breakers that might have tripped. This can give you insights into whether other circuits were affected during the outage.
• Close the Panel: Once you’ve identified and rectified any anomalies, gently close the panel door.

Reset any GFCI Outlets

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to protect against electrical shocks by shutting off power when they detect an imbalance between the incoming and outgoing current. It's possible that your furnace or its associated components might be connected to a GFCI outlet, especially if it's located in areas like a basement. Power outages can sometimes trip these outlets. It's crucial to inspect and reset them if needed, to restore power to your heating system.

Check the Furnace Safety Lock

Modern furnaces are equipped with safety locks to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation. A power outage or an abrupt power interruption might activate this lockout feature. Before calling in a technician, you can follow some basic steps to check and reset this lock:

• Locate the Reset Button: Most furnaces have a clearly marked reset button, typically red, located on the furnace itself.
• Press the Reset Button: Gently press and hold the button for a few seconds. Wait for a minute or two.
• Restart the Furnace: After resetting, try to turn on the furnace. If it started without issue, the safety lock was likely the culprit.
• Multiple Reset Attempts: If the furnace doesn't restart immediately, wait a few minutes and try the reset button again. However, avoid doing this multiple times in quick succession.
• Inspect the Oil Level (for oil furnaces): If you have an oil furnace, it might not restart if the oil level is too low. Ensure there's sufficient fuel.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is the command center for your heating system. If it's not functioning correctly, your furnace might not receive the right signals to operate. After a power outage, ensure the thermostat is set to the "heat" mode and check if the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature. Sometimes, simply resetting the thermostat or replacing its batteries can solve the problem. If the display is blank or unresponsive, it might be time to consult your user manual or contact a professional for guidance.

If your furnace won’t turn on after a power outage, give us a call.



At Best Owner Direct, we understand the distress and inconvenience a malfunctioning furnace can cause, especially after an unexpected power outage. Even with all the troubleshooting steps you might take, there are instances where the expertise of seasoned professionals is indispensable. Our team, based in Washington County, Oregon, is trained to quickly diagnose and rectify any furnace-related challenges, ensuring that you get back the warmth and comfort you're accustomed to. Trust in our experience, dedication, and the high standards we uphold in all our services. If your furnace remains unresponsive or you're unsure about any aspect, don't hesitate – reach out to us. Your comfort and safety are our top priority.