Solve Annoying Furnace Reset Button Shutdowns Once And For All

Finding your furnace unexpectedly shutting off due to a tripped reset button can be extremely frustrating. Especially when it seems to happen over and over again without a clear solution. But don't worry - with a bit of furnace troubleshooting and maintenance, you can solve those annoying reset button shutdowns for good.

Read on to finally resolve those perplexing furnace shutdowns.

What is the Reset Button on a Furnace?

The reset button, also called a high limit switch, is an important safety feature built into most furnaces. It is typically a red or yellow button located in the blower compartment section of the furnace.

This button has an internal temperature sensor that trips and shuts down the furnace if temps get too hot - usually above 200degF. Excess heat can occur from a blocked airflow pathway, faulty components, or other problems.

When tripped, the reset button pops out and cuts power to your furnace components. This protects the unit from heat damage but also stops it from heating your home until the button is reset.

Why Does My Furnace Keep Shutting Off?

If your furnace reset button is tripping repeatedly and forcing shutdowns, something is causing it to overheat. Here are some of the most common culprits of unexpected furnace shutoffs:

Dirty Air Filter Reduces Airflow

One of the most prevalent causes of furnace overheating and reset trips is a dirty air filter. Your furnace relies on free airflow to bring in cool air, output hot air, and prevent internal overheating. When airflow becomes blocked from a clogged filter, components rapidly spike in temperature.

To restore proper airflow, routinely check and replace dirty filters at least every 3 months. Use the correct MERV rating and dimensions for your model. Be diligent, as airflow is crucial for furnace health and longevity.

Flame Sensor Issues Disrupt Pilot Light

Inside your furnace is a pilot assembly with a small flame that ignites the main gas burner. Maintaining this delicate flame is the job of the flame sensor.

If this sensor gets coated in dust or fails, the safety gas valve cuts off fuel to the pilot light. This causes shutdowns after repeated failed ignition attempts. Have your HVAC technician inspect the assembly if shutdowns persist despite filter changes.

Closed Gas Valve Stops Fuel Supply

Does your furnace have a manual shut-off valve on the gas line? This allows gas supply to the unit to be turned on or off. Accidentally bumping this into the off position cuts off burner fuel and prevents ignition.

Always verify this valve is in the open, ON position if your reset button trips unexpectedly. Just reopening it can get your furnace running again. Call the gas company immediately if you ever smell even a small gas leak.

Loose Wiring Triggers Safety Shutoff

The constant vibration, heating and cooling in a furnace can cause wiring connections to loosen over time. Detached wires disrupt electrical signals and component communication - which the furnace perceives as technical issues.

Loose wire connections often require professional diagnosis and repair. Technicians can fully resecure internal wiring and ensure all components interact properly moving forward.

Signs Your Furnace Reset Button Tripped

How do you know if that frustrating reset button has flipped to the off position? Watch for these four clear indicators:

• No heated air coming from ventilation ducts
• Furnace failing to ignite main burner
• Red or yellow reset button visibly popped out
• Flashing LED indicator light on control panel

Lack of heat itself doesn't necessarily mean the reset button itself tripped - other furnace issues can also cause this. Visually check the physical reset switch just to verify the button position.

What To Do When Furnace Shutdown Occurs

Finding your home without heat due to an unexpected furnace shutdown is both inconvenient and concerning. Follow these steps when you discover your reset button has tripped:

1. Locate and Re-push In Reset Button

First, locate that red or yellow button in the blower compartment section of your furnace. You simply push this button back into the off/reset position. This should allow the furnace to fire back up if whatever caused overheating has resolved.

2. Try Resetting Your Furnace System

With the button reset, turn your thermostat temperature up to call for heat again. If ignites and stays running - continue monitoring. If the furnace shuts back down quickly with the reset button popping out again, further troubleshooting is needed.

3. Replace Your Furnace Air Filter

Remember, a restricted airflow pathway from a dirty filter is the leading cause of unexpected shutdowns. Taking this simple step clears any airflow reduction and prevents recurrence in many cases.

4. Examine The Pilot Burner Assembly

As covered previously, a pilot light-related issue can lead to shutdowns too. Take a flashlight and visually inspect your pilot assembly for any signs of corrosion or debris buildup. Call for service if anything looks amiss or the pilot fails to stay lit on ignition.

5. Schedule An Expert Furnace Inspection

If your diagnostic steps fail to resolve the underlying issue - it's smart to call in the pros! An HVAC professional has specialized tools to check furnace components for any malfunctions plus identify situations like loose wiring or thermostat defects.

Dangers of Ignoring The Reset Button

It may be tempting to just keeping resetting your furnace when shutdowns occur rather than resolving the root problem. But ignoring a tripped reset button comes with serious risks including:

• No Heat Causing Frozen Pipes: Without the furnace firing, your home's temperature can plummet below freezing in cold climates. This leads to extensive pipe damage.
• Hazardous Carbon Monoxide Backdrafting: Improper venting from ignored issues can allow CO gases to enter living spaces and poison occupants.
• Increased Wear and Strain On Components: Frequent cycling on/off strains systems and accelerates breakdowns.

Rather than tempt these dangers, always fully troubleshoot unexplained furnace shutdowns the moment they start occurring. Safety for both people and property depends on a functional heating system.

When Should A Professional Repair Furnace Issues?

While some basic troubleshooting steps can get to the bottom of unexpected shutdowns, not all furnace malfunctions are DIY fixable. Calling an expert furnace technician is strongly advised if:

• You are unable to determine the root cause of repeated reset trips
• Carbon monoxide detectors activate at any point
• A gas smell is noticed anywhere in the home
• Multiple fix attempts fail to stop shutdown recurrences

HVAC pros have the skills to fully diagnose problems, repair defects, and get systems running safely and reliably once again. Don't play guessing games with your home's heating system - expert help is the wise solution.

While unforeseen failures can always happen, you can dramatically slash unplanned shutdowns by scheduling annual furnace check-ups before each heating season. Preventative maintenance protects your investment and prepares systems for colder operation.

During these visits, technicians will:

• Clean and calibrate components
• Inspect for wear, corrosion and damage
• Check and adjust fuel/air mixes for efficiency
• Test start sequences to verify proper function
• Evaluate lifespan and recommend replacement if aging

This proactive reliability tune-up reduces costly mid-winter breakdowns and furnace repair bills. Don't wait for troubling shutdowns to start - schedule your system's seasonal inspection today!