Keeping your home warm and cozy during the cold months is crucial. At times, your furnace might need a reset to function properly. Here's a simple guide to help you reset your furnace, whether it's a modern or older model.

Steps to Reset a Modern Furnace

Most furnaces less than 30 years old can be easily reset by turning the power off and back on. Here's how you do it:

  1. Find the switch mounted on or near the furnace and turn the power off. If you can’t find a switch at the furnace, you can turn off the circuit breaker for the furnace at the main circuit breaker box.

  2. Wait about 10 seconds.

  3. Turn the switch or breaker back on and check the furnace to see that it has power again.

Steps to Reset an Older Furnace

Older furnaces, usually in homes over 30 years old, require a slightly different reset process. Here's how you can reset an older model furnace:

  1. Check the pilot light: If the pilot light is on, there’s no need to reset the furnace—there must be something else causing the problem. If it's off, you should proceed with the furnace reset.

  2. Lower the Thermostat: Turn the thermostat down to the lowest degree as a safety measure, just in case the furnace suddenly turns back on during the reset.

  3. Light the Furnace Pilot Light: Ensure that the power and thermostat are powered down, then relight the furnace’s pilot light.

  4. Set the Thermostat: After resetting your furnace, remember to set the thermostat to your desired temperature to complete the process.

If the pilot light is on after the reset, you might be facing different furnace problems. Let's take a look at some common ones.

Common Furnace Problems

Common furnace issues include uneven heating, unheated air coming from the vents, or no air at all. Other problems can include noisy furnaces or those emitting a musty smell. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

  1. No Heat Coming Out: If your furnace doesn’t produce any air, try resetting it. If that doesn't work, there may be a problem with the thermostat setting, the power, or the gas line.

  2. Not Enough Heat Coming Out: If your furnace emits some heat but not enough, you might have a clogged filter or a furnace that isn’t big enough for your space.

  3. Blower Running Constantly: This isn't just inefficient—it can also signal a problem with the limit switch. If that's the issue, you'll need a professional to replace it.

  4. Furnace Is Noisy: Are you hearing rattling, rumbling, or squeaking from your furnace? Your furnace may have a mechanical issue or a clogged burner.

  5. Smell Coming from the Furnace: If there’s a musty or odd smell coming from your furnace when it’s on, it might be time to change your filter.

  6. Airflow Issues: If your furnace is pushing out plenty of heat but it’s distributing it unevenly throughout the house, it might be due to normal wear and tear on the furnace, and it might be time to get a new heating system.

Why Maintain Your Furnace?

Maintaining your furnace is essential for your home's comfort and safety. Here are the reasons why it should be part of your routine as a homeowner:

  1. Preserve Indoor Air Quality: Regular maintenance helps maintain clean air inside your home, safeguarding your health.

  2. Keep Your Family Safe: Furnaces can release dangerous gases into your home if not functioning properly. Annual checks