Did you turn your furnace on and hear an unusual sound? If so, your first thought might be to press the reset button and hope everything goes back to normal. Before you do that, though, it’s important to know what the reset button truly does, and when it’s safe to use it.
Below, this heating repair contractor in Evanston, Illinois is going to explain some of the key things you should know about the reset button.
The reset button on your furnace is designed as a safety feature to shut the system down if it starts to overheat or if there is an electrical problem. In some cases, resetting your furnace is all you need to fix the problem. For example, if the power goes out briefly or the gas flow is interrupted, a reset can help your furnace return to normal operation.
But pressing the reset button repeatedly is not a viable solution.
If your furnace keeps turning off or needs resetting all the time, something is not right on the inside. It could be a clogged filter, a broken sensor or a bigger problem that you can’t see. In fact, pressing the button repeatedly could even cause more damage if the furnace is already overheating.
Not all furnace sounds are the same, and they don’t all point to the same problem. If you know what to listen for, the sound itself can give you a hint about what is happening inside the system.
For example, a loud bang or pop can come from the ducts expanding or from dirty burners. A whistling sound can indicate poor airflow due to a clogged air filter or a blocked vent. In these cases, pressing the reset button will not do anything to help.
Grinding, scraping or screeching sounds are more alarming. These can indicate mechanical problems like a broken motor belt or a loose part inside the blower. These sounds will not go away on their own and can get a lot worse if ignored.
If you want to get to the root of the problem, it is best to have a heating repair contractor in Evanston, Illinois inspect the system. That way, you will know exactly what you are dealing with.
There are some situations where pressing the reset button can be unsafe. For example, if you smell something burning or notice that the furnace is getting unusually hot, do not try to reset it. These signs could point to a serious problem inside the system like an overheated heat exchanger.
The furnace has built-in safety switches for a reason. Ignoring these safety mechanisms and forcing the furnace to restart can make the situation more dangerous.
If your furnace keeps turning off by itself, there may be a persistent safety issue. Pushing the reset button repeatedly won’t fix it. In fact, it can lead to more damage and bigger repair bills.
The reset button is only for small, one-time problems like a brief power outage. When a problem keeps coming back, the best solution is to turn the furnace off and contact a licensed heating repair contractor in your area.
Pressing the reset button can quiet the noise or get your furnace running again but it does not fix the actual problem. Unusual sounds can be early warnings of bigger issues and these are problems that will not go away on their own. A reset can make the problem disappear temporarily, but it will almost always come back, and it might be worse the next time.
So, if your furnace acts strangely, do not hesitate to call your local heating repair contractor in Evanston, Illinois. They can check the system and diagnose the actual problem.
If your furnace is making unusual sounds or turning off by itself, John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. As the premier heating repair contractor in Evanston, Illinois, we have what it takes to get your furnace running safely and quietly again. Contact us anytime at 847-864-5225 to schedule your service.