A homeowner can effectively learn how to do a project like restarting the furnace, but you must be self-assured. If you are unsure of what is going on at any point during the process, stop, switch off the furnace, and contact an expert. It is essential to understand that you’re working with incredibly hot components connected to electricity. Hence, working on a furnace by yourself can be dangerous.
However, learning how to restart a gas furnace is not entirely impossible, and those familiar with such DIY installations will most likely be able to bleed the furnace without too much difficulty. Bleeding the furnace should not put anyone in danger, but it’s better to prioritize your safety over starting a project you’re not sure about to get the furnace working again.
How To Restart A Gas Furnace?
In this post, I’ll explain how to restart a furnace. If you are interested in learning how to restart your gas furnace, the first thing to do is to check whether you have enough oil in the tank. If you’ve run out of oil, your furnace may shut down and stop producing heat. Follow the below step-by-step guide on how to restart a gas furnace.
Step 1
The reason your furnace goes off may be as simple as no oil. Where this is the case, refuel the tank is empty when you begin the process.
Step 2
Once you’ve added sufficient oil, hit the reset button to see if your heating system comes up.
This Is Not Working?
While the above simple steps should be enough to restart your furnace, sometimes you may need to do more filling up the tank and pressing the reset button. You may need to bleed the oil. It is also important to note that it’s unnecessary to bleed the fuel line unless the furnace won’t restart after adding more oil.
Why Do I Need To Bleed The Furnace?
The most common reason for bleeding the furnace is low fuel levels: If you let the oil run out entirely, the furnace may require additional efforts to restart. Fill the tank before the oil level drops dangerously low to avoid this issue.
The steps below show how to bleed the furnace and restart it.
Step 1
If the reset button does not work, you must bleed the furnace to get it to work again. To begin, turn off the furnace. There should be a direct switch on your furnace for this. However, many furnaces have a reset button that turns them off automatically, so you may not need to turn off your furnace manually. If your reset button has already turned off the furnace, you’ll see a red light.
Step 2
You’ll need an adjustable wrench or to install the bleeder valve. If you’re unsure which will fit your furnace, consult your owner’s manual or bring both with you and see which is appropriate. You’ll also need 1/4-inch-diameter flexible nylon tubing. A foot of tubing should be sufficient.
Step 3
Gather a container to catch the oil waste that will drain your furnace. A used bucket or coffee can will suffice. If you don’t want the oil to splash, fill the container with cat litter or sawdust. Alternatively, get an empty bottle, preferably one that holds at least 32 ounces.
If you want to use the fuel again, you bleed it into the container; make sure it’s clean and that it’s not filled with anything. After you’ve completed the bleeding process, you can return the fuel to the furnace, but only if the oil coming out is clean. If you end up with sludge, don’t put it back in the pot. Remember to bring an old towel to dry your hands with. Also, you should dress in clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as there’s a chance you’ll get oil on you.
Step 4
You’ll need to locate the fuel pump to locate the bleeder valve. Note that tubes will be connected to the fuel pump. The bleeder valve will be on one side of the fuel pump and secured with a hex nut. The nut may be metal or a rubber plug. If you don’t see it right away, don’t worry. On some furnaces, it’s a little hidden.
To make sure you can turn the nut at the right time, loosen it a little. Tighten it again, about a quarter turn, to prevent oil from dripping out. Don’t completely unscrew the nut.
Step 5
You’ll need to locate the fuel pump to locate the bleeder valve. Tubes will be connected to the fuel pump. The bleeder valve will be on one side of the fuel pump and secured with a hex nut. The nut may be metal or a rubber plug. If you don’t see it right away, don’t worry. On some furnaces, it’s a little hidden.
To make sure you can turn the nut at the right time, loosen it a little. Tighten it again, about a quarter turn, to prevent oil from dripping out. Don’t completely unscrew the nut.
Step 6
The furnace should then be turned on. Remember how you loosened the valve before just tightening it enough to allow you to turn it swiftly again. It’s time to loosen it up. To get the oil flowing, you’ll probably only need one turn. Loosen the valve until you see oil and air coming out. Allow it to drain until solid fuel emerges.
If nothing comes out of the valve after you’ve flipped the on/off switch, you may need to hit the reset button. If your furnace automatically shuts off when you press the reset button, you may need to try some other things. A damaged fuel line, a clog, or a pump issue could cause the furnace not to turn on.
Step 7
Fasten the valve whenever the oil comes out in a constant flow. The burner should now be turned on. You’ll recognize it when you hear the sound; it’s the sound associated with the furnace turning on. Your furnace has been effectively bled and restarted. Detach the tubing, tidy up the container, and relax in the warmth.
Conclusion
Try bleeding the oil again if the furnace’s burner doesn’t turn on the first time. Begin by releasing the bleeder valve and allowing the fuel to escape. This is something you can do several times. If your furnace still won’t fire after you’ve tried it several times, you’ve got worn-out parts and should have someone come in to look at it. When your furnace is in good working order, you shouldn’t have to bleed and restart it more than once or twice.
