Joseph is an HVAC technician and a hobbyist blogger. He’s been working as an HVAC technician for almost 13 years, and he started blogging just...Read more
If you’re like most people, when your furnace starts making strange noises or simply won’t turn on, the first thing you do is panic. But before you call a technician, there are a few things you can try to get your furnace up and running again. One of those things is resetting the limit switch. In this post, we’ll show you how to do it. Stay warm!
What is A Furnace Limit Switch?
Before we discuss how to reset a furnace limit switch, let’s first understand what it is and its purpose. A furnace limit switch is a safety device that is mounted on the side of your furnace. Its job is to shut off the gas supply to the burners if the temperature inside the furnace gets too high.
This prevents the furnace from overheating and potentially causing a fire. There are two types of furnace limit switches: manual and automatic. A manual switch requires you to physically flip it off when the furnace gets too hot. An automatic switch will do this automatically.
How to Reset a Furnace Limit Switch?
If your furnace limits switch trips, it’s important to reset it before turning the furnace back on. Otherwise, you risk damaging the furnace or causing a fire. To reset a manual switch, simply flip it to the “off” position and then back to the “on” position.
With an automatic switch, you’ll need to press the reset button. This is usually located on the side of the switch. If your furnace limit switch keeps tripping, there may be a problem with the furnace itself. You’ll need to have a professional inspect and repair the furnace before using it again.
There are two ways to reset a furnace limit switch. The first way is to turn off the power to the furnace for 30 seconds and then turn it back on. The second way is to remove the limit switch from the furnace and then reinstall it. If you are not sure how to do either of these things, you should call a professional.
Step by Step Process to Reset Limit Switch
- Step 1: Turn off the power to the furnace at the breaker box.
- Step 2: Wait 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Turn the power back on to the furnace at the breaker box.
- Step 4: Check to see if the furnace is working properly. If it is not, you will need to call a professional.
- Step 5: General Limit Switch Troubleshooting
If you have followed the steps above and your furnace is still not working properly, there are a few other things that you can check.
- Check to see if the limit switch is dirty. If it is, you can clean it with a rag or brush.
- Check to see if the limit switch is loose. If it is, you can tighten it with a screwdriver.
- Check to see if the limit switch is defective. If it is, you will need to replace it.
- If you are still having problems, you should call a professional.
How to Replace Furnace Limit Switch?
If your furnace limit switch needs to be reset, there are a few things that you will need to do in order to complete the process. First, you will need to locate the switch itself. These switches are usually located near the furnace, on the wall or near the floor.
Once you have found the switch, you will need to take a look at the wiring diagram that came with your furnace. This diagram will help you determine which wires need to be connected in order to reset the switch.
Next, you will need to disconnect the power to the furnace. Once the power is disconnected, you can begin working on the switch itself. In most cases, you will need to remove the cover from the switch in order to access the reset button. Once the cover is removed, you can press the reset button and then reattach the cover.
After the switch has been reset, you can reconnect the power to the furnace and turn it on. The furnace should now be working properly. If it is not, you may need to contact a professional for further assistance.
How Does A Furnace Limit Switch Impact Your Safety And Comfort?
The furnace limit switch is responsible for shutting off the flow of electricity to the furnace in the event that the temperature gets too high. This important safety feature prevents the furnace from overheating and potentially starting a fire.
If the limit switch trips, it will need to be reset before the furnace can be used again. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple process that can be done in just a few minutes. To reset the furnace limit switch, start by turning off the power to the furnace at the breaker box. Then, remove the access panel from the furnace so you can locate the limit switch.
Once you have found the limit switch, use a small screwdriver to push the reset button. The furnace should now be operational. If the limit switch trips again, it may be a sign of a more serious problem with the furnace. In this case, it is best to contact a professional for assistance.
Can I Replace A Furnace Limit Switch Myself?
Most people can replace a furnace limit switch with just a few tools and some basic do-it-yourself knowledge. The process is pretty straightforward, and it shouldn’t take more than an hour or so to complete the task.
The first thing you’ll need to do is locate the old switch and disconnect it from the power supply. Once you’ve done that, you can remove the switch from the furnace. Next, you’ll need to install the new switch. Make sure that it’s properly connected to the power supply and then test it to make sure that it’s working correctly.
If everything checks out, you should be good to go! Just remember to turn off the power to the furnace before you begin any work. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity, or if you’re unsure about anything, it’s always best to call a professional. Better safe than sorry!
How Can You Ensure Your Furnace Limit Switch Remains in Good Shape?
The furnace limit switch is an important safety device that helps to regulate the temperature in your furnace. If the switch becomes damaged or worn out, it can cause the furnace to overheat and potentially become a fire hazard. It is important to regularly check and clean the switch to ensure it is working properly.
If you notice your furnace limit switch is not working properly, you may need to reset it. To do this, first turn off the power to the furnace. Then, remove the cover of the switch and locate the reset button. Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds before releasing it.
You should then hear a click as the switch resets itself. Once the switch has been reset, you can turn the power back on to the furnace. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the furnace limit switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Furnace Limit Switch Do?
The furnace limit switch is a safety device that is mounted on the side of your furnace. It is designed to shut off the gas supply to the burners if the temperature inside the furnace gets too high.
How Do You Know if the Furnace Limit Switch Needs to Be Reset?
If your furnace doesn’t seem to be heating your home as well as it should be, or if it shuts off unexpectedly, the limit switch may need to be reset.
How Do You Reset the Furnace Limit Switch?
To reset the furnace limit switch, first make sure that the power to the furnace is turned off. Then, remove the access panel from the side of the furnace. Locate the limit switch, which will be a large button or lever. Press or flip the switch, and then replace the access panel. Finally, turn the power back on to the furnace.
How Do I Know if My Limit Switch Is Bad?
The first thing you’ll want to do is check for power. Check to see if there’s a loose wire or a blown fuse. If the switch is getting power, but it’s still not working, then it’s probably bad and will need to be replaced. If your furnace limit switch is bad, you’ll need to replace it. You can find replacement limit switches at your local hardware store.
Once you have the new limit switch, simply remove the old one and install the new one in its place. Make sure that the wires are properly connected and that the switch is securely in place.
Bottom Line
Furnace limit switch reset may seem like a daunting task, but with this guide it can be easy. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so that your furnace is up and running in no time. The first thing you need to do is locate your furnace limit switch. This is usually found near the blower or on the side of the furnace cabinet.
Once you’ve located the limit switch, remove the cover plate and identify which wire is connected to the switch. There should be two wires: one black and one white. The black wire is typically connected to the “COM” or common terminal while the white wire is attached to either the “NC.
Joseph is an HVAC technician and a hobbyist blogger. He’s been working as an HVAC technician for almost 13 years, and he started blogging just a couple of years ago. Joseph loves to talk about HVAC devices, their uses, maintenance, installation, fixing, and different problems people face with their HVAC devices. He created Hvacbuster to share his knowledge and decade of experiences with people who don’t have any prior knowledge about these devices.
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