Most modern furnaces come equipped with a “Reset” button, designed to help protect the unit from damage. These buttons are red or yellow and usually just inside the blower compartment. If the furnace detects unfavorable or unsafe conditions, its reset button will automatically trip to protect the entire system and electric circuit.
It’s normal for your furnace to trip the button once in a while, but you shouldn’t constantly find yourself asking, “Why does my furnace keep tripping the reset button?” In that case, the system has an underlying problem that requires the attention of a furnace repair expert as soon as possible.
Hats Off Heating and Air Conditioning, a leading provider of furnace repair services in Virginia Beach, VA, shares more details below.
Top Reasons Your Furnace is Tripping the Reset Button
The most common reasons a furnace will trip the reset button include the following:
1. The Furnace is Overheating
A furnace overheating may sound impossible, but it does happen. These units may generate warmth, but they are not designed to run at extreme temperatures.
When the unit reaches a temperature its design cannot handle, the reset button will trip and shut down the system. Why? Anything that can hamper airflow will cause your furnace to overheat, such as:
Clogged Air Filters
The air filter in your furnace system helps maintain your indoor air quality. However, it will get clogged up at some point, reducing airflow within the system. Running the furnace with such a filter will put it under severe strain, which increases the risk of overheating and may trigger the reset button.
Are you suddenly wondering, “Why does my furnace keep tripping the reset button?” Think back to the last time you replaced the furnace filter. Doing so every one to three months can help your furnace avoid these airflow disruptions.
Malfunctioning Blower Motors
The blower motor is responsible for circulating the warm air from your furnace system across your home. If the motor starts malfunctioning or sustains damage, the bulk of the heat that the furnace generates will not move out to where it needs to go – and things will get hot in there. Strange whirring or clanging blower motor noises while your furnace system works are a clear sign to check things out.
Ventilation Problems
Dirty vents, collapsed sections of ductwork, blocked registers and vents, etc., can all distort airflow. When air can’t leave and enter your furnace system freely, your furnace might trigger the reset button.
2. The Furnace is Experiencing Fuel Supply Issues
If you have a gas or oil furnace that is tripping the reset button frequently, problems with the supply line might be the reason behind it. Some of the most common fuel-related problems you might experience include:
- Trying to run the furnace with an empty or nearly empty fuel tank
- Blockages in the fuel nozzle
- Cracks in the fuel lines leading to leaks
3. You Have a Faulty Flame Sensor
A faulty flame sensor is another reason you might find yourself wondering, “Why does my furnace keep tripping the reset button?” The flame sensor is a safety feature that ensures your furnace is only running and releasing gas when there is a flame and it’s actually in use. If the sensor is dirty or faulty, it may fail to read the flame, causing your unit to shut down as it attempts to protect your home from a potential gas leak.
4. You’re Experiencing Electrical System Problems
All furnaces need electricity to work at some level. Therefore, any problems with the internal or external circuit can cause the furnace to trip the reset button to prevent further electrical damage. Common electrical issues include loose wires and damaged circuit boards.
Call the Experts To Deal With Your Furnace Troubles
It might seem like a good idea to just reset your furnace after it trips, but this may end in more severe damage to the furnace if there’s an underlying issue. If you don’t want to find yourself dealing with a hefty repair bill, a completely dead furnace, or, in the worst-case scenario, fire damage to your home, finding answers is important.
Why does my furnace keep tripping the reset button? Don’t reset the furnace – call the Hats Off Heating and Air Conditioning team in Virginia Beach, VA, to evaluate your unit first. Contact us or read on to learn more about how pairing a furnace with a heat pump benefits some setups.
