Restarting Furnace After Running Out of Propane

Running out of propane can leave a home cold and a furnace unresponsive. This article explains safe, step-by-step procedures to restart a propane furnace after an outage, how to purge air from lines, troubleshooting tips, and when to call a professional. It emphasizes safety, common causes, and preventive maintenance to minimize future interruptions.

Topic Quick Takeaway
Initial Safety Checks Always shut off power and gas, ventilate area, and check for leaks.
Refill And Valve Steps Confirm tank refill, slowly open the tank valve, then open the furnace service valve.
Bleeding Air From Lines Many systems bleed automatically; some require manual purging or pilot relight.
Ignition Types Electronic ignition typically resets automatically; standing pilot may require relighting.
Troubleshooting Check filters, error codes, regulators, and pressure; call a pro if unsure.

Always prioritize safety: ventilate, check for leaks, shut off power when needed, and evacuate if a strong odor exists. Confirm the tank is refilled and open valves slowly. Allow time for air to purge and the regulator to stabilize. Understand whether the furnace uses a standing pilot or electronic ignition and follow the appropriate relight or reset steps. When in doubt, contact a licensed technician or the propane supplier.

For further resources, consult the furnace owner’s manual, the local propane supplier, and reputable HVAC associations for guidance on maintenance and certified contractors.

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