How to Use the Lennox Furnace Reset Button for Efficient Heating

The Lennox furnace reset button is an essential feature that allows homeowners to quickly restore operation after a fault or error. Understanding how to safely reset your Lennox furnace ensures minimal downtime and helps maintain consistent heating during colder months. This article provides detailed guidance on finding, using, and troubleshooting the reset button, along with important safety tips and signs that indicate when a reset might be necessary.

Topic	Key Points
What Is the Lennox Furnace Reset Button?	A manual switch to restart the furnace after safety lockouts or errors
Location of the Reset Button	Near the burner assembly or control panel inside the furnace
When to Use the Reset Button	When the furnace shuts down unexpectedly or fails to ignite
How to Reset the Furnace Safely	Turn off power, wait 5 minutes, press reset button, restore power
Common Causes for Resetting	Overheating, flame failure, limit switch activation
Precautions and Troubleshooting	Don’t overuse reset button; call a professional if repeated resets occur

What Is The Lennox Furnace Reset Button?

The Lennox furnace reset button is a built-in manual control designed to restart the furnace’s internal systems following a safety shutdown or error condition. Furnaces often include safety features that automatically shut off burners in case of a malfunction to prevent damage or hazards. The reset button allows users to clear these safety lockouts and attempt a system restart without needing professional intervention immediately.

This button is critical in troubleshooting minor ignition or safety sensor issues, enabling faster restoration of heat in the home.

Where To Find The Reset Button On A Lennox Furnace

Locating the reset button varies depending on the Lennox furnace model, but it is generally found near the burner or inside the furnace cabinet. Common locations include:

• Inside the burner compartment behind the front access panel
• Mounted near the furnace control board
• Close to the flame sensor or limit switch assembly

Before attempting to press the reset button, it’s important to turn off the furnace power to avoid any electrical hazards. Always consult the furnace manual to confirm the exact position and procedure.

When Should Homeowners Use The Lennox Furnace Reset Button?

The furnace reset button should be used only under specific circumstances, typically when the furnace fails to start or shuts down during operation. Common situations include:

• Burner ignition failure due to a temporary gas supply interruption
• Overheating triggered by restricted airflow or dirty filters causing a safety shutdown
• Flame detection failure leading the system to lockout for safety reasons
• Limit switch tripping due to excessive heat build-up inside the furnace cabinet

Repeated need for reset indicates a larger issue requiring professional inspection and repair.

How To Properly Reset A Lennox Furnace

Resetting a Lennox furnace should be done carefully and following these steps for safety and effectiveness:

1. Turn off the thermostat to stop the heating cycle.
2. Switch off the furnace power by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit.
3. Locate the reset button inside the furnace after removing the access panel.
4. Press and hold the reset button for 5 to 10 seconds. You should feel or hear a click confirming the reset.
5. Wait at least 5 minutes before restoring power to the furnace (this allows any residual heat or gas to dissipate).
6. Turn the power back on and then switch the thermostat back to heating mode.
7. Observe the furnace startup to ensure it ignites and runs regularly.

Never press the reset button more than once or twice in a short period. If the furnace continues to shut down, call a licensed technician.

Common Problems That Require Using The Furnace Reset Button

The reset button often comes into play during specific furnace malfunctions. These include:

• Ignition Failure: When the furnace’s pilot or electronic ignition fails to light the burners on the first attempt.
• Overheat Lockout: High temperature trips the limit switch, causing the system to shut down to prevent damage or fire.
• Flame Sensor Issues: Dirty or faulty flame sensors may cause the furnace to shut down for safety until reset.
• Gas Valve or Pressure Problems: Interruptions in gas supply can trigger safety lockouts that can sometimes be cleared with a reset.

Addressing these underlying causes often requires cleaning sensors, replacing faulty parts, or improving ventilation to prevent future lockouts.

Important Safety Tips When Using The Reset Button

Using the reset button incorrectly can pose hazards to both the user and the furnace system. Consider the following safety precautions:

• Always disconnect electrical power before accessing furnace components.
• Do not press the reset button repeatedly; this could flood the furnace with unburned gas, creating a fire risk.
• Ensure proper ventilation near the furnace to avoid buildup of combustible gases.
• If the furnace does not resume normal operation after a reset, avoid repeated attempts and consult a professional technician.
• Regular furnace maintenance reduces the need for emergency resets by keeping the system clean and functional.

Furnace reset buttons are a helpful feature but never replace thorough diagnostics by HVAC professionals when problems persist.

Troubleshooting Lennox Furnace Reset Issues

If a Lennox furnace requires frequent resetting, troubleshooting can help identify root causes to avoid repeated disruptions. Common troubleshooting steps include:

• Inspect and replace clogged air filters to improve airflow.
• Clean the flame sensor with fine steel wool or a soft cloth to ensure reliable ignition detection.
• Check for blocked vents or exhaust lines causing overheating or pressure problems.
• Verify thermostat settings and batteries to prevent false shutdowns.
• Examine electrical connections to ensure power supply stability and avoid intermittent faults.

In many cases, professional HVAC inspection is advisable to perform detailed diagnostics and repairs safely.

When To Contact A Professional For Furnace Reset Problems

While the reset button is a useful tool for minor furnace resets, certain situations require expert assistance:

• Furnace continues to shut down repeatedly despite resets.
• Persistent heating inefficiency or cold spots in the home.
• Suspicion of gas leaks, burner damage, or electrical faults.
• Ageing furnace prone to malfunction due to worn components.

Timely professional service helps ensure furnace safety, optimal performance, and prolongs equipment life.