How to Reset a Carrier Furnace Unit: A Step-by-Step Guide

September 16, 2024

Feeling the chill in the air and realizing your furnace has decided to take a nap? Before you bundle up in every blanket you own and call a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, check to see if it might just need a quick reset. 

A furnace reset can clear minor faults or glitches in the system, helping to restore proper function without the need for professional intervention. Don’t worry—resetting your Carrier furnace is easier than finding the remote in your couch cushions.

However, it’s important to follow the correct procedure to avoid causing further issues. This guide from Carrier Colorado will walk you through the steps to safely reset your Carrier furnace and get your heating system back on track.

Why Would You Need to Reset Your Carrier Furnace?

Resetting your Carrier furnace won’t work in every instance, but there are many scenarios where it should be the first thing you try when troubleshooting a furnace failure.  

Here are some common failure scenarios when you may want to perform a reset of your furnace:

  • After a power outage
  • To clear thermostat Issues
  • To resolve fault codes after fixed
  • To clear triggered safety mechanisms after fixed
  • The gas supply was interrupted*

*Verify with your Colorado gas utility company that it is safe to work on your appliances if there is a gas supply issue. 

Safety Precautions Before Resetting Your Furnace

Before you proceed with resetting your Carrier furnace, it’s important to take some safety precautions:

  1. Turn Off the Power: Always turn off the power to your furnace before attempting any maintenance. You can do this by switching off the furnace using the power switch on the unit’s side or at the circuit breaker.
  2. Check for Gas Leaks: If your furnace runs on gas and you smell rotten eggs near your unit or around your home, this could indicate a gas leak. Evacuate your home immediately and contact your gas company or local emergency services.
  3. Read the Manual: Refer to your furnace’s user manual for specific instructions and safety warnings related to your model.

Steps to Reset Your Carrier Furnace

Now that you are prepared, follow these steps to reset your Carrier furnace:

Step 1: Turn Off the Furnace

We mentioned this, but it bears repeating to ensure this step is not missed. This ensures the system is completely powered down and prevents any electrical mishaps while you’re working on it.

Step 2: Wait for 30 Seconds

After turning off the power, wait at least 30 seconds before the next step. This allows the system to shut down and fully reset any internal sensors. Being patient during this step is important, as rushing the process can result in an incomplete reset.

Step 3: Locate the Reset Button

Next, find the reset button on your furnace. Carrier furnaces typically have a small reset button inside the burner compartment. It may be red or yellow and is usually labeled “Reset.” If you’re unsure where to find it, consult your furnace’s user manual.

Step 4: Press the Reset Button

Hold the button down for about 10 seconds before releasing it. This action should reset the furnace’s control board and clear any error codes or faults.

Step 5: Restore Power to the Furnace

After releasing the reset button, turn the power back on to your furnace. It should now start up automatically. If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust the thermostat to ensure it’s set to a temperature higher than the current room temperature.

Step 6: Monitor the Furnace

Once your furnace is back on, monitor it closely for the next few hours. Listen for any unusual noises and check that warm air is being distributed throughout your home. If everything is working correctly, your reset was successful!

What to Do If the Reset Doesn’t Work

If resetting your Carrier furnace doesn’t resolve the issue, a more serious problem might be at play. Here are some other troubleshooting steps you can take before finding a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer near you in Colorado:

  • Check the Thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is set correctly and the batteries are not dead. Sometimes, a simple adjustment to the thermostat settings can fix the issue.
  • Inspect the Air Filter: A clogged air filter can cause the furnace to shut down or not operate efficiently. If it’s dirty, replace it.
  • Examine the Vents and Ducts: Blocked vents or ducts can cause poor airflow, leading to furnace problems. Make sure all vents are open and unobstructed.
  • Look for Error Codes: If your furnace has a digital display, check for error codes that might indicate what the issue is. Consult your user manual to understand what these codes mean.

In some instances, after resolving issues like those associated with error codes, you may need to attempt your furnace reset again.

When to Call a Colorado Carrier Dealer

Resetting your Carrier furnace can be a quick and easy solution to minor problems. However, if none of these troubleshooting steps work, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician. There could be an underlying issue that requires expert attention, such as a faulty igniter, a broken blower motor, or a malfunctioning control board.

Regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues can keep your Carrier furnace running efficiently for years to come and minimize your need to reset it. 

When you need a professional inspection of your Carrier furnace, use Carrier Colorado’s Find a Dealer link to locate a trusted Carrier partner in Colorado.