How Do I Stop My Heater From Tripping the Reset Switch?

Tori Klein • October 7, 2021

A heating system reset button is a vital function of your heating and cooling system. Created to rapidly turn the system off, the feature is essential to securely heat your house.

Picture of a women looking really confused with short brown hair.
If your furnace reset button keeps tripping, it's most likely that your heater is overheating. This may indicate a need for heating system repair work that needs to be addressed.

What is a Heater Reset Switch?
All furnaces are outfitted with a reset button. They are typically red or yellow and are located inside the blower area. It's not unusual for a heating system to call for resetting once in a while. Nonetheless, if the furnace regularly needs resetting, the heating system should be evaluated by a repair work professional.

What Can Trigger the Reset Switch to Trip?
Heater reset buttons may be triggered by a number of various situations, including:
  • Loss of Fuel. If you have a gas or oil heating system, the reset switch might trip if you run out of gas. This fix is as basic as making sure there is fuel in either the gas or oil tank. If this is the case, when you ask for a refill, see to it you let them recognize that the storage tank is empty.
  • Blocked or Closed Gas Valves. Blocked or closed shutoffs could be an additional factor the container reset button keeps tripping. Checking to see if any one of the valves has been shut unintentionally might address the issue.
  • Overheating. If a furnace isn't obtaining enough airflow, it may get too hot and also cause the reset switch to trip. Make sure to clean or replace the air filters as well as make sure the air vents are open for proper airflow.
  • A Dirty Flame Sensor. Occasionally, the flame sensing unit pole may be coated with dirt and particles, causing the heater to shut down. To prevent this from happening, be sure to keep the flame sensor rod clean by wiping it off regularly, this helps to stop this from occurring.
  • A Dirty Air Filter. An obstructed or unclean air filter may cause the heating system to turn off. Changing or cleaning your air filter routinely (at the very least quarterly) will assist to reduce the pressure on your furnace and also keep it working properly.
Just how to Reset a Gas Heating System
When you prepare to reset your heater, adhere to these actions:
  • Ensure the pilot burner is out.
  • Make sure the thermostat temperature is as low as it will go.
  • Turn off the power supply to the heater by turning off the breaker in the circuit box.
  • Shut off the major gas supply to the heating system, leaving the pilot gas supply line on.
  • Relight the pilot light by holding a lit match to the pilot flame opening.
  • Turn the circuit breaker back on, and afterward turn the main gas supply back on.
  • Press and hold the reset button for approximately 30 secs and raise the temperature on the thermostat.
How to Reset an Electric Heating System
Gas heating systems are also much faster to reset. Comply with these simple steps:
  • Initially, turn off the power supply to the heating system by shutting off the breaker in the circuit box.
  • Locate the reset button on the heater and press it to reset the heating system. It is usually located inside the blower area on the side of the blower motor. Beware as it may be hot.
  • If the button appears, press it down.
  • Return the cover to the blower area as well as turn the power on.

If your system keeps acting up and is causing your furnace to trip the reset button or if you need to call for help in resetting your heater, choose Best Owner Direct. Relax with our help and know our specialists are on the job. Call us today or schedule an online appointment anytime.

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