Power outages are common in the Pacific Northwest, especially during stormy seasons. When the lights come back on, you might notice your furnace isn’t running as expected. Before calling a technician, it’s worth knowing how to safely reset it yourself. For those managing or maintaining homes in Beaverton, Oregon, through property management, understanding this process can save time, money, and prevent unnecessary maintenance calls.
Here are the key steps for safely resetting a furnace after a power outage has occurred.
1. Wait for Power to Stabilize
When electricity returns, there’s often a brief period of fluctuation as the grid stabilizes. Wait about 5–10 minutes before attempting to restart your furnace. Turning it on too soon can expose the unit to voltage surges, which may damage sensitive components, such as the control board or thermostat. Property managers and homeowners alike should ensure that all other large appliances (like air conditioners and washers) are also given a moment before restarting.
2. Check the Furnace Thermostat Settings
Once power is stable, verify that your thermostat has power and is set correctly. If it’s battery-operated, replace the batteries if needed. Make sure it’s set to “Heat” and that the temperature is higher than the current room temperature. Sometimes, after an outage, thermostats can reset to factory defaults or “Off” mode, which prevents the furnace from running even though everything else appears to be fine.
3. Inspect the Circuit Breaker
A tripped breaker is a common post-outage issue. At your electrical panel, find the furnace breaker. If it’s off or in the middle, switch it fully to “Off” then to “On” to reset. If it trips again, call a professional HVAC technician.
4. Locate and Use the Furnace Reset Button
Most furnaces have a reset button, usually red or yellow, on the blower motor or near the burner. To reset: Turn off the furnace power switch.
- Wait about 30 seconds.
- Press the reset button once only.
- Turn the power back on and wait for the system to restart.
Avoid pressing the button multiple times, as this can cause the furnace to flood with fuel and lead to ignition problems or safety hazards.
5. Check the Furnace Filter and Vents
After an outage, inspect your furnace filter and vents. Power loss can cause debris movement or minor blockages. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which can cause overheating or shutdown. Beaverton Oregon, property management should prioritize regular filter checks to avoid these problems.
6. Observe and Listen for Proper Operation
When restarted, listen for the normal startup sounds: the blower motor, followed by the burner. Warm air should flow in minutes. If you smell gas, hear unusual noises, or the furnace cycles off quickly, turn it off and call a licensed HVAC professional immediately.
Knowing how to safely reset a furnace after an outage is essential for homeowners and property managers. It ensures comfort during cold weather and protects equipment from unnecessary wear. With a careful approach and a few checks, you can restore heat safely and confidently—keeping your property running smoothly in any weather.
Let’s face it, rental property maintenance can be a full job in itself and if you’re already working full time, maintenance becomes a chore. Thankfully, property management can help! Learn more about the services that we can offer you by calling us at (503) 646-9664 – Talk to a Live Person – Our office answers the phone 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday – or click here to connect with us online.