Furnace Reset Button Location: Find and Safely Use Your Furnace Reset Switch

A tripped furnace can leave a home cold and stressful. Many homeowners search for the furnace reset button location to get heat back quickly. This guide explains where to find reset buttons on gas, oil, and electric furnaces, when to press them, and how to do it safely—plus what to check if the furnace keeps shutting down.

Why Furnaces Have A Reset Button

Most furnaces include safety devices that shut the system down when something is wrong. A reset button allows the system to restart after a fault clears. It prevents unsafe conditions while giving a controlled way to resume operation.

Common devices that trigger a reset include high‑temperature limit switches, oil burner primary controls, blower motor thermal protectors, and flame rollout switches. Each points to a different underlying problem.

On modern gas furnaces, the “reset” may be a manual button on a safety switch, but often the control board handles resetting automatically after power is cycled and the issue is resolved. Oil furnaces nearly always have a clearly labeled reset on the burner primary control.

Quick Safety Check Before You Press Reset

Resetting a furnace without checking safety can be hazardous. A repeated fault could indicate overheating, combustion issues, or venting problems that risk fire or carbon monoxide.

If you smell gas, do not reset. Evacuate and call the gas utility or 911.
If you see or suspect flame rollout (soot around the burner, scorching, burning smell), do not reset. Call a licensed HVAC technician.
Do not press an oil burner reset more than once. Unburned oil can pool, causing a dangerous puffback on ignition.
Turn off power at the furnace switch or breaker before removing panels.
Let the furnace cool 5–10 minutes if it overheated, so the limit switch can reset.

Where Is The Furnace Reset Button?

The location depends on the furnace type and safety device that tripped. Look for red, yellow, or black buttons on or near the burner, blower, or a small safety switch in the burner compartment. The inside of the burner door often has a wiring diagram showing switch locations.

Below are the most common locations by furnace type to help find the furnace reset button quickly and safely.

Gas Furnace Reset Button Location

Most modern gas furnaces do not have a single “master reset.” Instead, fault clearing happens by fixing the cause and cycling power. However, there are manual reset safety switches that may need to be pressed.

Flame rollout switch: Typically near the burner assembly. Small round or rectangular switch with two wires and a tiny manual reset button in the center (often red). Press gently to reset after correcting issues.
Manual reset high‑limit switch: Some models include a manual-reset limit on the heat exchanger panel. Look for a similar small switch with a center button.
Blower motor thermal reset: Some older PSC blower motors have a small red button on the motor’s housing. Many modern ECM motors auto-reset and have no external button.
Control board soft reset: Turning off power at the furnace switch or breaker for 60 seconds can reset the control. Check the LED diagnostic code window on the control board for fault codes.

Common gas furnace brands such as Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, Bryant, York, and American Standard often hide the rollout or limit reset inside the burner compartment, behind the front service panel. The door interlock switch must be depressed or the door installed for the furnace to run.

Oil Furnace Reset Button Location

Oil furnaces almost always have a prominent reset button on the burner primary control. This is the button most homeowners mean by “furnace reset.”

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Primary control reset: A red or sometimes green/yellow button on the control box mounted to the oil burner assembly (where the oil line and ignition connect). Common controls include Honeywell, Beckett, and Carlin models.
Important: Press once only. If it locks out again, stop. Repeated pressing can flood the chamber with oil and create a puffback risk. Call a technician to correct the cause.
Other manual resets: Oil furnaces may also have manual-reset rollout or limit switches like gas furnaces. These are typically small switches with center buttons near the burner or heat exchanger area.

Electric Furnace / Air Handler Reset

Electric furnaces and heat pump air handlers use electric heat strips and blower motors. Reset functions are tied to high-limit and thermal cutouts.

High‑limit reset: Look for small manual reset buttons on the heater element housing or on limit switches mounted near the heat strips.
Blower motor reset: Some motors include an external thermal reset button on the motor body; many have internal auto-reset only.
Circuit breakers: Electric furnaces often have local breakers or fuses in the cabinet. A tripped breaker must be reset at the panel, and sometimes on an internal breaker handle.

High‑Efficiency (Condensing) Furnaces And Packaged Units

High‑efficiency gas furnaces and rooftop or packaged units use pressure switches and condensate safeties rather than a single reset button. The “reset” is typically power cycling after clearing the fault.

Manual resets: Rollout switches may be manual-reset. Look for small switches with center buttons near the burner box.
Condensate float switch: If the condensate drain is clogged, a float switch may lock out heat. Clearing the drain and resetting power restores operation.
Access: On packaged rooftop units, the rollout and limit switches are behind the burner access panel. Always turn off power at the disconnect first.

Step‑By‑Step: How To Reset A Furnace Safely

The process varies by type, but this general approach works for most residential systems and reduces the risk of damage or unsafe conditions.

Set the thermostat to Off. For heat pumps, set Heat to Off/Aux Off. Wait 30 seconds.
Turn off furnace power using the nearby switch (looks like a light switch) or the dedicated breaker. Confirm the blower stops.
Check the air filter. A clogged filter is a top cause of high-limit trips. Replace if dirty.
Open the burner/blower access panel. Note the door switch interlock. Keep hands clear of sharp edges.
Locate the reset device:
- Gas: Look for a rollout or manual limit switch near the burner or heat exchanger. Identify the small center button.
- Oil: Find the red button on the burner primary control box.
- Electric: Find the manual reset limit on the heat strip housing or blower reset on the motor.
Press to reset. Use firm, gentle pressure. If it clicks, it likely reset. If it does not depress, it may not be tripped—or the cause persists.
Reinstall the access panel. Ensure the door switch is engaged. Restore power at the switch/breaker.
Set the thermostat to Heat and call for heat. Observe the startup sequence. Watch the control board LED for codes and listen for abnormal sounds.
If the furnace shuts down again, stop repeated resets. Investigate underlying issues or call a licensed HVAC professional.

Brand‑Specific Hints

Manufacturers place safety switches in similar spots, but labeling and access can vary. These notes can speed up locating the furnace reset button.

Carrier/Bryant/Payne: Rollout switches usually around the burner box; look for small round/rectangular discs with a red manual reset center. Control board LED codes are visible through a sight port.
Trane/American Standard: Manual reset rollout near burners; limit switches on heat exchanger panel. Use Trane’s diagnostic code panel for guidance.
Lennox/Armstrong/Ducane: Some models use auto‑reset limits and manual‑reset rollouts. Door interlock must be engaged to run; check for condensate float switches on high‑efficiency units.
Goodman/Amana: Rollout reset buttons near burner assembly; common issues include dirty filters causing limit trips. LED codes printed on the access panel backside.
Rheem/Ruud: Manual resets near burner rails; pressure switch issues common if condensate is restricted. Verify drain trap is clear.
York/Luxaire/Coleman: Rollout and high‑limit locations marked on the wiring diagram inside the door. Check inducer and pressure switch tubing.
Oil burners (Beckett/Carlin/Riello): Red reset on the primary control. Press once only. Verify oil supply, filter, nozzle, and electrodes if lockouts persist.

Common Reasons The Reset Or Limit Trips

Finding the furnace reset button location solves only part of the problem. The underlying fault needs correction to prevent repeat trips.

Restricted airflow: Clogged filter, closed or blocked supply/return vents, dirty blower wheel, or matted evaporator coil cause overheating and high-limit trips.
Blower problems: Failed motor, weak capacitor, broken belt (older units), or faulty ECM module reduce airflow and trigger limits.
Flame rollout or heat exchanger issues: Blocked heat exchanger passages, cracked heat exchanger, or misaligned burners can force flames out of the combustion area and trip rollout switches.
Vent or flue blockage: Birds’ nests, debris, ice, or collapsed liners restrict exhaust, causing unsafe combustion or pressure switch faults.
Condensate drain clogs: High‑efficiency furnaces shut down when the condensate trap or drain is blocked. Float switches may interrupt operation.
Ignition and flame sensing faults: Dirty flame sensor, failed igniter, or gas supply issues lead to lockouts that require power cycling after repair.
Oil burner issues: Air in oil line, clogged nozzle, dirty filter, weak ignition transformer/electrodes, or poor draft lead to primary control lockouts.
Electrical supply problems: Tripped breakers, loose neutral, low voltage, or surge events can lock controls until power is reset.

Troubleshooting If The Furnace Won’t Reset Or Trips Again

Use these focused checks before calling for service. They address common root causes and can restore normal operation safely.

Replace or remove airflow restrictions: Install a new filter with correct MERV. Open all vents and clear returns. Vacuum dust around the blower compartment.
Inspect the condensate system: Clear slime and debris from traps and hoses. Verify correct trap orientation. Consider adding tablets to reduce growth.
Clean the flame sensor: For gas furnaces, polish the flame sensor rod with fine abrasive pad. Reinstall firmly. This helps with false flame loss lockouts.
Check outdoor vent terminations: For sealed‑combustion models, clear snow, leaves, and nests from intake and exhaust pipes.
Verify gas or oil supply: Ensure tank not empty, valves are open, and oil filter is not clogged. Bleed oil line only if trained.
Review diagnostic codes: Use the control board LED blink codes printed on the door to narrow the fault. Many manuals are available online.
Test the blower: In Fan On mode, confirm airflow. If the blower only hums, a capacitor or motor may be failing.
Stop after one reset attempt if a safety trips again. Repeated trips indicate a hazard that needs professional repair.

How To Find Your Exact Manual And Diagram

When in doubt, the manufacturer’s installation or service manual shows the precise furnace reset button location and procedure. Most are available free online.

Find the model number: Look inside the burner or blower door on a silver sticker. Photograph it for reference.
Search by model: Use queries like “Carrier 58MVP manual” or “Goodman GMEC96 installation manual.” Official sites often host PDFs.
Use the wiring diagram: The diagram inside the access panel labels limit and rollout switches, control board terminals, and fuses.
Check parts labels: Oil burner primary controls list the reset button and lockout behavior right on the device.
Helpful resources: Manufacturer portals and industry guides such as ENERGY STAR maintenance tips and technical bulletins from Beckett or Honeywell Home can assist.

Professional Help And Typical Costs

Some faults require specialized tools and safety checks, particularly combustion analysis and heat exchanger inspection. Calling a licensed HVAC technician protects safety and warranties.

Service call/diagnostic: Often $90–$175 in many U.S. markets.
Common repairs: Flame sensor cleaning $90–$150; igniter replacement $180–$350; blower capacitor $120–$220; draft inducer $350–$700; condensate cleaning $120–$250.
Oil burner service: Nozzle/filter change and tune‑up $150–$300; primary control replacement $250–$450.
Safety priority: Rollout or heat exchanger issues can be serious; technicians may red‑tag equipment if unsafe operation is found.

Preventing Future Trips: Maintenance Checklist

Regular upkeep reduces nuisance trips and extends furnace life. Many tasks are DIY‑friendly, while others are best left to professionals.

Replace filters every 1–3 months or per manufacturer guidance. Choose suitable MERV to balance filtration and airflow.
Keep vents clear: Do not block supply registers or return grilles with furniture or rugs.
Clean condensate drains: Flush traps at the start of the heating season. Add an access tee for easy maintenance.
Inspect exhaust/intake: Ensure vent pipes are secure, sloped correctly, and free of obstructions.
Annual professional tune‑up: Includes combustion check, draft verification, cleaning burners/heat exchanger, checking safeties, and verifying electrical connections.
Oil system care: Change the oil filter, strainers, and nozzle annually. Verify pump pressure and electrode settings.
Watch for signs: Short cycling, unusual odors, soot, or repeated lockouts warrant prompt service.

Quick Reference Table: Reset Button Locations By Furnace Type

Furnace Type	Primary Reset/Switch	Typical Location	Notes
Gas (Standard Efficiency)	Manual Reset Rollout or High‑Limit	Near burner assembly or heat exchanger panel	Small switch with center button; power cycle control board after fix
Gas (High Efficiency/Condensing)	Manual Reset Rollout; Float/Pressure Safeties	Burner box area; condensate pan/line	Clear drains; check intake/exhaust; power cycle to reset control
Oil Furnace	Burner Primary Control Reset	On the oil burner control box (red button)	Press once only; repeated lockouts are hazardous
Electric Furnace/Air Handler	Manual Reset High‑Limit; Motor Thermal Reset	On heat strip housing; blower motor body	Internal breakers/fuses may also trip; restore airflow first
Packaged Rooftop/Packaged Unit	Manual Reset Rollout/Limit	Behind burner access panel	Use external disconnect; verify condensate and vents

FAQs: Furnace Reset Button Location And Safe Use

Where is the reset button on a furnace? It depends on the type. Gas furnaces usually have manual reset rollout or high‑limit switches near the burner or heat exchanger. Oil furnaces have a red reset button on the burner primary control. Electric furnaces have manual reset limits on the heat strips or a blower motor reset.

How do you reset a gas furnace? Fix the cause, then power cycle at the switch/breaker. If a manual safety tripped, press its small center button. Do not repeatedly reset without addressing airflow, ignition, or venting issues.

Where is the reset button on an oil furnace? On the burner’s primary control box, mounted to the burner assembly. It is typically a red button. Press once only after resolving fuel or ignition issues.

How many times can I press the oil furnace reset? Once. Multiple presses can dump oil into the chamber, risking a dangerous puffback. If it locks out again, call a professional.

Is there a reset button on the thermostat? Some thermostats have a reset feature, but it does not override furnace safety devices. Turning the thermostat off/on can help after fixing the fault, but furnace power may still need to be cycled.

Will flipping the breaker reset the furnace? Yes, cycling power can reset the control board. However, if a manual safety switch is tripped, it must be physically reset at the switch.

What if the reset button will not click? It may not be tripped, the furnace may still be hot, or the switch may have failed. Allow cooling time, correct the cause, and try again. If it still will not reset, contact a technician.

How do I know which safety tripped? Check the control board LED codes, look for popped manual reset switches, inspect the filter and vents, and review the wiring diagram inside the panel for switch labels (e.g., “ROLL OUT,” “LIMIT”).

Can a clogged filter cause the reset to trip? Yes. Restricted airflow is a top cause of high‑limit trips on gas and electric furnaces. Replace the filter and check all vents.

Are all blower motors resettable? No. Many modern ECM motors have internal protection without an external reset button. If the blower fails to start, a capacitor (on PSC motors), motor, or control issue may be the cause.

Key Takeaways For Finding And Using The Furnace Reset Button

Gas furnaces: Look for manual reset rollout/limit switches near the burner; power cycle the control after fixing the cause.
Oil furnaces: The red reset is on the burner primary control. Press once only for safety.
Electric furnaces: Manual reset high‑limits on heat strips and possible blower motor resets are common.
Always address root causes like airflow, ignition, and venting before relying on resets.
Use the model number and wiring diagram inside the door to pinpoint exact switch locations.
When in doubt, call a licensed HVAC technician to prevent hazards and protect equipment.

Helpful Resources

These references offer additional guidance on safe operation and maintenance.