Coleman Evcon Furnace Reset Button

Experiencing issues with your Coleman Evcon furnace? One of the first things you should check, and often the simplest solution, is the reset button. This article will guide you through the process of finding and using the reset button on your Coleman Evcon furnace, as well as some common issues that might necessitate a reset. Remember, safety is paramount, and some repairs are best left to qualified professionals.

Locating the Reset Button

The reset button on a Coleman Evcon furnace is typically located on or near the blower motor housing or the gas valve. It's usually a small, colored button (often red or yellow), and may be labeled "Reset". Due to various model changes over the years, its exact location can vary.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find it:

Turn off the Power: Before you start, always turn off the power to your furnace. Locate the circuit breaker that controls your furnace and switch it to the "Off" position. This is crucial for your safety.
Access the Furnace: Remove the access panels on your furnace. These are typically held in place by screws or clips. Consult your furnace's owner's manual for specific instructions on accessing the internal components.
Check Near the Blower Motor: The blower motor is a large, cylindrical component that circulates air through your furnace and ductwork. Look for the reset button on or near the blower motor housing. It might be on the side, top, or front of the housing.
Inspect the Gas Valve Area: The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the burners. Look for the reset button near the gas valve assembly. Be extremely cautious in this area, as working with gas can be dangerous. If you smell gas, evacuate the area immediately and call your gas company or a qualified HVAC technician.
Consult the Owner's Manual: If you’re having trouble finding the reset button, consult your Coleman Evcon furnace owner's manual. It should contain a diagram or instructions showing the location of the reset button for your specific model. If you've lost your physical copy, you can often find a digital version online by searching for your model number.

Resetting Your Coleman Evcon Furnace

Once you’ve located the reset button, the resetting process is fairly straightforward:

Wait: Allow your furnace to sit in the "off" state for at least 5 minutes before attempting a reset. This allows any accumulated gas to dissipate.
Press the Reset Button: Firmly press the reset button once. Do not hold it down. A single, brief press is all that's needed.
Restore Power: Return to the circuit breaker and switch it back to the "On" position.
Monitor the Furnace: Observe your furnace to see if it starts properly. It may take a few minutes for the furnace to go through its ignition sequence.

If the furnace starts and runs normally, you've successfully reset it. However, if the furnace fails to start, or if it shuts down again shortly after starting, there may be a more serious problem.

Common Reasons for a Furnace Reset

Understanding why your Coleman Evcon furnace tripped its reset can help you prevent future problems.

Overheating: The most common reason for a furnace to require a reset is overheating. This can be caused by a dirty air filter, blocked vents, or a malfunctioning blower motor.
Flame Sensor Issues: The flame sensor detects whether the burners are lit. If the flame sensor is dirty or malfunctioning, it can shut down the furnace as a safety precaution.
Faulty Limit Switch: The limit switch is a safety device that shuts down the furnace if it gets too hot. A faulty limit switch can trip prematurely.
Gas Pressure Problems: Low or fluctuating gas pressure can cause the furnace to shut down and require a reset.
Ignition Problems: Issues with the igniter (either a hot surface igniter or a spark igniter) can prevent the furnace from lighting, leading to a lockout that requires a reset.

Troubleshooting After a Reset

If your Coleman Evcon furnace continues to require resets, you'll need to investigate the underlying cause. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

Check the Air Filter: A dirty air filter restricts airflow and can cause the furnace to overheat. Replace the air filter with a clean one. Aim to replace it every 1-3 months, depending on usage and air quality.
Clear Vents and Registers: Ensure that all vents and registers are open and unobstructed. Blocked vents can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to overheat.
Inspect the Blower Motor: Listen to the blower motor to see if it's running smoothly. If it's making unusual noises or not running at all, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
Clean the Flame Sensor: A dirty flame sensor can prevent the furnace from starting. You can clean the flame sensor with a fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool.

When to Call a Professional

While some furnace problems can be resolved with a simple reset or basic troubleshooting, others require the expertise of a qualified HVAC technician. Here are some situations where you should call a professional:

You Smell Gas: If you smell gas, evacuate the area immediately and call your gas company or a qualified HVAC technician. Do not attempt to repair the furnace yourself.
The Furnace Continues to Shut Down: If your furnace shuts down repeatedly after being reset, there's likely a more serious underlying problem that needs to be diagnosed and repaired by a professional.
You're Not Comfortable Working with Gas or Electrical Components: Working with gas or electrical components can be dangerous. If you're not comfortable with these tasks, it's best to leave them to a qualified technician.
You Suspect a Problem with the Gas Valve or Other Gas Components: Gas valve repairs and adjustments should only be performed by a qualified HVAC technician.
Your Furnace is Old or In Poor Condition: If your furnace is old or in poor condition, it may be more cost-effective to replace it than to continue repairing it. A qualified HVAC technician can assess the condition of your furnace and recommend the best course of action.

Estimated Repair Costs

Furnace repair costs can vary depending on the nature of the problem and the cost of labor in your area. Here are some rough estimates for common Coleman Evcon furnace repairs:

Air Filter Replacement: $10 - $30 (DIY)
Flame Sensor Cleaning: $0 (DIY) if you have sandpaper/steel wool, $75 - $150 (Professional Cleaning/Replacement)
Limit Switch Replacement: $150 - $300
Blower Motor Replacement: $300 - $800
Gas Valve Replacement: $300 - $700
Igniter Replacement: $150 - $350

These are just estimates, and the actual cost of your repair may vary. It's always a good idea to get multiple quotes from qualified HVAC technicians before proceeding with any repairs.

Safety First

Working on your Coleman Evcon furnace can be dangerous if you're not careful. Always follow these safety precautions:

Turn off the power to the furnace before performing any repairs.
Never work on a furnace if you smell gas.
Wear safety glasses and gloves when working on your furnace.
Follow all instructions in your furnace's owner's manual.
If you're not comfortable performing a repair, call a qualified HVAC technician.

Preventative Maintenance

Regular preventative maintenance can help prevent furnace problems and extend the life of your Coleman Evcon furnace. Here are some maintenance tasks you can perform yourself:

Replace the air filter regularly.
Keep vents and registers clean and unobstructed.
Visually inspect the furnace for any signs of damage or corrosion.
Consider having your furnace professionally inspected and tuned up annually.

By following these tips, you can keep your Coleman Evcon furnace running efficiently and reliably for years to come. Remember, when in doubt, call a professional. Your safety and the proper functioning of your heating system are worth it.