Restarting Furnace After Running Out of Propane | What Do I Do to Reset

When your RV runs out of propane, it can be an inconvenience. Since propane is the thing that allows your furnace to keep you warm during those chilly nights. However, even after a propane refill, you might still run into issues. Although it doesn’t happen all the time, sometimes, your RV furnace may not start after a propane refill.

Most of the time, it happens due to air residue that’s left in the pipes and you need to get rid of it to start your furnace successfully. Luckily, you can do it easily by restarting the furnace. So, how to reset the RV furnace after a propane refill? Well, that’s what we are going to discuss in this article. So, read on.

How to Reset Furnace After Running Out of Propane?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset RV furnace after it runs out of propane and you refill it:

Step 1: Take Necessary Safety Precautions

When you are working with a furnace, especially a propane furnace, safety should be your first priority. Therefore, take the following safety measures before you start:

• Turn off all electrical power to the furnace.
• Close the propane supply valve leading to the furnace.
• Ensure there are no gas leaks or odors in the area. If you smell gas, do not proceed, and contact your propane provider or a professional technician immediately.

Step 2: Refill the Propane Tank

It goes without saying that after your propane runs out, you need to refill it. However, doing it properly might be a little bit difficult, depending on your RV and furnace model. Therefore, if necessary, take the help of a qualified professional. This way, you minimize the risk of any mishaps such as gas leaks. Also, make sure that the propane tank is placed safely and the installation is done properly.

Step 3: Ventilate the Area

After a refill, before you turn the furnace back on, its important to ensure proper ventilation. Ensure the area is well-ventilated so that all the gas is removed from the air and the area is safe to ignite the furnace.

Step 4: Locate the Furnace Reset

Depending on your RV furnace model, it might have a reset switch. However, if you cannot find it, refer to your user manual for specific instructions on where the reset button is located. Also, some models might need a specific sequence of actions to reset the furnace. However, if you cannot find the reset switch or the instructions, set the thermostat to the lowest temperature or turn it off completely. Then wait a few minutes and turn the furnace back on.

Step 5: Purge Air from the Lines

After refilling the propane tank, air can become trapped in the gas lines, which can prevent the furnace from igniting. To get rid of this air, you can do the following:

• Wait for a few minutes to allow the propane lines to fill with gas.
• Turn the furnace back on by setting the thermostat to your desired temperature. The furnace should attempt to ignite. You may hear clicking sounds as the igniter tries to light the burner.
• If the furnace doesn’t ignite on the first try, turn it off and wait for a few minutes before trying again. Repeat this process until the furnace successfully ignites.

Step 6: Monitor Furnace Operation

Once the furnace ignites successfully, you should monitor it for a few minutes. Listen if there are any unusual sounds or odors. Also, check that warm air is being emitted from the vent. If everything seems to be working properly, leave it be. If not, turn the furnace off immediately and call a qualified technician.

End Notes

Following these steps, you can easily reset your furnace after it runs out of propane and you refill it. In fact, the reset process is as easy as finding and pressing the reset button. However, taking the necessary precautions is necessary to avoid any dangerous situations. Therefore, make sure that the furnace is not in use before proceeding to reset it and reset it with proper ventilation around it. You can also call a qualified technician if you are not comfortable with resetting the furnace or if you can smell propane around your furnace. Stay safe!