What To Know Before You Try To Restart Your Furnace
On a cold Winder morning, nothing feels worse than realizing your furnace won’t start. Before calling for repair, there are a few safe steps you can take to get the heat back on. Since many homes in Barrow County rely on natural gas or electric furnaces, knowing how to restart one properly can save time — and sometimes a service call.
At Absolute Comfort Air, our certified technicians have been helping local homeowners stay warm since 2004. Here’s what you can check before reaching for the phone.
Common Reasons A Furnace Stops Working
A furnace that won’t turn on doesn’t always mean it’s broken. Sometimes, the issue is simple and easy to spot.
Check for these common causes first:
- Tripped circuit breaker — Power surges or outages in Winder neighborhoods can flip a breaker off.
- Closed gas valve — If you have a gas furnace, make sure the gas line valve is in the “on” position.
- Dirty air filter — A clogged filter can block airflow and cause your system to shut down.
- Thermostat error — Double-check that it’s set to “heat” and the batteries aren’t dead.
- Blown fuse or safety switch — In older Barrow County homes, a small fuse or limit switch might have tripped.
If you’ve run through these and your system still won’t start, it may be time to restart your furnace safely.
How To Safely Restart A Furnace
Restarting a furnace can be straightforward, but it’s important to follow safe steps. Here’s how:
1. Turn off power and gas.
Find your furnace switch (it looks like a light switch) and flip it off. If you have a gas furnace, shut off the gas valve too.
2. Wait a few minutes.
Give the system about five minutes. This clears any leftover gas and resets the control board.
3. Turn the power and gas back on.
Restore power first, then reopen the gas valve if applicable.
4. Reset the furnace.
Some units have a small red or yellow reset button on the blower housing. Press it once — just once.
5. Set the thermostat to “heat.”
Turn it a few degrees higher than room temperature and wait for the furnace to cycle.
If you smell gas or hear clicking without ignition, stop immediately and call a professional. Never attempt to relight a pilot or access electrical parts on your own.
When To Call A Professional In Winder
If restarting doesn’t work, don’t keep pressing reset or cycling the power. Persistent failure often signals a part issue such as a faulty igniter, limit switch or blower motor.
That’s when Absolute Comfort Air can help. Our family-owned team in Winder handles heating repairs across Barrow County and the Atlanta metro area. We’re certified to service Rheem systems and are available on weekends for urgent heating needs.
Preventing Furnace Shutdowns In The Future
You can reduce the risk of future breakdowns with a few simple habits. Regular upkeep keeps your furnace running smoothly through every Georgia cold snap.
Try these maintenance steps:
- Change your air filter every 1–3 months.
- Schedule professional tune-ups each fall before temperatures drop.
- Keep vents and returns free of dust and debris.
- Check that outdoor vents aren’t blocked by leaves or moisture.
Local homeowners often schedule fall inspections to beat the rush once the first cold front hits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take A Furnace To Restart?
Usually between five and ten minutes. It depends on how long it takes for the safety controls to reset.
Is It Safe To Reset My Furnace Multiple Times?
No. Pressing the reset button repeatedly can flood the system with gas or overheat components.
Why Does My Furnace Turn Off After A Few Minutes?
It may be overheating due to a dirty filter or blocked vent. If it happens more than once, call a technician.
What Should I Do If I Smell Gas After Trying To Restart My Furnace?
Leave your home immediately and call your gas company or emergency services. Then contact Absolute Comfort Air once it’s safe.
Does Restarting The Furnace Fix No-Heat Issues Permanently?
Not usually. Restarting can clear minor glitches, but underlying problems need professional attention.
Schedule Your Furnace Repair With Our Winder Team Today
If your furnace won’t start or the heat just isn’t keeping up, call Absolute Comfort Air. Our certified Winder technicians are here to help, from quick troubleshooting to full heater repairs.
Your Comfort Is Our Business. Service Is Our Promise.





