Your Guide to Restarting a Propane Furnace After a Power Outage

What You’ll Learn

How do I safely restart my propane furnace after a power outage?

A power outage can cause your propane furnace to shut down as a safety measure, even after electricity is restored.

In most cases, getting heat back is a straightforward process that homeowners can handle by following a few safe, step-by-step checks, such as confirming thermostat settings, resetting the circuit breaker, and checking the furnace power switch.

If you’re ever unsure about what to do, it’s time to call a professional.

Steps to restarting your furnace:

It was a cozy family movie night in the living room one second.

Next, the screen was dark, and the previously warm air that had been blowing through the vents was nowhere to be found.

Thankfully, the lamps and TV blinked to life a few minutes later.

The furnace, on the other hand, did not.

Unless you want to wait for a serviceman to arrive, it’s time to see what you can do to get the heat flowing again.

Power Outages in Pennsylvania

Power outages are a common part of living in Pennsylvania, especially in the winter. Snowstorms, ice accumulation, high winds, and even falling tree limbs can interrupt electricity with little notice.

For homeowners who rely on propane heat, frustration often sets in after power is restored when the furnace does not automatically turn back on.

While losing electricity is inconvenient, a furnace that stays off can quickly become a comfort and safety concern during cold PA winters.

Fortunately, this situation is usually not serious.

In many cases, restarting a propane furnace after a power outage is a quick, safe process that homeowners can handle on their own.

Below, we will walk through the steps homeowners can safely take to restart a propane furnace after a power outage, explain when the pilot light may need attention, and outline when it is time to call a professional for help.

Before You Start: Important Safety Notes

Restarting your propane furnace is generally safe for homeowners as long as you follow proper precautions:

• Never force switches or valves.
• If you smell propane (rotten eggs) at any point, stop immediately and leave the area.
• Always follow your furnace manufacturer’s instructions when available.
• If anything feels uncertain or uncomfortable, it is always okay to call a professional.

Step 1: Check Your Thermostat

Power outages can reset thermostats, especially programmable or smart models.

Start with these quick checks:

• Make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT
• Set the temperature above the current room temperature
• Replace thermostat batteries if applicable (a power outage can cause a rapid drain)

Sometimes, this step alone is enough to get warm air flowing again.

Step 2: Reset the Circuit Breaker

If the thermostat looks good and the furnace still is not running, the next step is to check your electrical panel.

1. Locate the circuit breaker labeled for your furnace
2. Flip the breaker to OFF
3. Wait 30–60 seconds
4. Flip it back to ON

This allows the system to fully reset after a power interruption or surge.

Step 3: Check the Furnace Power Switch

Most propane furnaces have a power switch that looks just like a standard light switch. It is usually located on the furnace itself, on a nearby wall, or at the top of basement stairs.

1. Make sure this switch is flipped OFF (most automatically flip OFF during an outage)
2. Wait a few seconds
3. Flip back ON

It is surprisingly common for this switch to get bumped accidentally, especially during storm cleanup or basement use.

Step 4: Check the Pilot Light

If your furnace does not restart after the steps above, and you have an older furnace, the issue may involve the pilot light.

Here’s what to do:

Turn the Gas Valve Off

Safety first.

1. Locate the main propane gas valve on the furnace
2. Turn the valve to the OFF position
3. Wait at least a few minutes to allow any residual gas to clear from the lines

This step prevents flare-ups and ensures a clean restart.

Press the Reset Button

Many furnaces have a red or yellow reset button, often near the burner assembly.

Press and hold the reset button for up to 30 seconds.

Only do this once—repeatedly pressing the reset button can cause damage and create unsafe conditions.

Relight the Pilot (for Older Furnaces Only)

Once the gas has cleared:

1. Slowly turn the gas valve back on
2. Set the valve to the PILOT position
3. Follow your furnace’s instructions to relight the pilot using a built-in igniter button, or a long match or lighter

Once the pilot stays lit, return the valve to the ON position and wait for the furnace to cycle.

Step 5: Calling in a Professional

If your propane furnace still is not running after these steps, it is time to call a professional.

Power outages can sometimes cause deeper issues that homeowners should not attempt to repair themselves.

Here are a few common possibilities:

Power Surges Fried Components

When power returns after an outage, electrical surges can damage sensitive furnace components such as:

• Control boards
• Relays
• Capacitors

These parts require professional diagnosis and replacement.

Faulty Flame Sensor or Igniter

If your furnace starts briefly and then shuts off, the flame sensor or igniter may not be detecting ignition properly.

These components help ensure propane is only flowing when combustion is safe.

Cleaning or replacing them is a job best left to a technician.

Gas Supply Issues

In some cases, propane supply problems can prevent startup:

• Low propane levels
• Regulator issues
• Frozen or blocked gas lines

A professional can safely test pressure and confirm proper gas flow.

No Power to the Transformer

Even if your home has power, the furnace’s internal transformer may not be delivering voltage to critical controls.

Diagnosing electrical faults inside the unit should always be handled by a trained technician.

Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold

Winter in Pennsylvania is unpredictable, but your heating system does not have to be. 

Knowing how to safely restart your propane furnace can save time, stress, and unnecessary service calls.

Just as important is having a propane provider you can trust to keep your tank filled and your system supported when temperatures drop.

At Kauffman Gas, we help Pennsylvania homeowners stay warm, safe, and prepared all winter long.

We never leave our customers out in the cold.

Become a Kauffman Gas customer today.

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