Furnace acting up?

Question

My furnace will randomly shut off at different times of the day. Most of the time it will work, but sometimes I find myself waking up in the middle of the night freezing. There is a switch (looks just like a light switch) that I turn off and on (I am assuming this is some sort of reset switch) and it will immediately start working again. Then it will randomly turn off again later. What could this be?

Answer 1

We just replaced an electronic ignitor on ours. Maybe yours is only responding when you manually "rebooot".

I'd also check the thermostat, for a short or any other way it might be sending a shutoff signal.

Answer 2

When you are turning the "light switch" on and off your are resetting the circuit board in the furnace. This is resetting whatever error code or fault is occurring to turn off the furnace. Probably something fairly minor but you should just call a repair tech. Eventually you can cause damage that way.

Answer 3

Is it windy where you are? We had a furnace once that when the wind came from a certain way, it would go down that pipe that goes out and up your house. And it would blow the pilot out. Ours had the electric one too where when you started it, it lit up all the way across. Where it came in the basement, there was a little lid on it, and my husband removed the lid and it didn't do it near as much. But we kept haveing the same problem as you. Sure is a pain to wake up cold and have to do that in the middle of the night. Hope this helps you.

Answer 4

The "light switch" which usually has a red panel behind it, is meant to shut down the furnace, either in case of problem (or servicing). Normally you should never have to touch it.

Sounds like it's shutting off automatically because something's wrong. Have you even had it cleaned or the filter replaced? If it's not getting enough fuel it might shut itself off.

You should call your oil company (assuming it's oil) and have them come out and service your furnace.