Few things get homeowners searching for answers faster than a furnace that suddenly stops heating. When that happens, phrases like Goodman furnace reset button, how to reset Goodman furnace, or where is the reset button on a Goodman furnace quickly come up. I see this scenario every winter, especially with electric systems like the Goodman MBVK electric furnace, where safety controls are designed to shut the system down before damage occurs.
In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly what the Goodman furnace reset button is, how it works, where it’s located on electric furnaces, and—most importantly—what it’s trying to tell you when it trips. I’ll also explain the difference between a true Goodman furnace reset switch and other controls that are often mistaken for one, so you know when a reset is appropriate and when it’s time to stop pushing buttons and call for service.
What Homeowners Mean by “Goodman Furnace Reset Button”
When homeowners talk about a Goodman furnace reset button, they’re usually referring to a manual reset high-limit switch or safety cutoff. This component is designed to shut down heating operation if unsafe conditions occur, such as overheating.
On electric furnaces like the Goodman MBVK, there is no flame to extinguish and no pilot light to relight. Instead, safety switches interrupt power to the heating elements when temperatures exceed safe limits. Resetting the system allows it to operate again—but only temporarily if the underlying problem hasn’t been fixed.
That’s why understanding how to reset a Goodman furnace properly starts with understanding why the reset was required in the first place.
Understanding the Goodman MBVK Electric Furnace
The Goodman MBVK is a variable-speed air handler that functions as an electric furnace when paired with electric heat strips. It uses:
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Electric resistance heating elements
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A variable-speed ECM blower motor
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Integrated electronic controls
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Multiple safety limits
Unlike gas furnaces, the MBVK does not burn fuel. That means the reset-related issues you’ll encounter are almost always tied to airflow, electrical components, or control logic—not combustion.
Goodman provides a technical overview of the MBVK’s design and safety architecture that helps explain how these protections work (Goodman MBVK air handler series).
Where Is the Reset Button on a Goodman Furnace?
One of the most common questions I hear is: where is the reset button on a Goodman furnace? The answer depends on the furnace type, but for electric furnaces like the MBVK, there are a few consistent rules.
Goodman Furnace Reset Button Location (Electric Models)
On most Goodman electric furnaces and air handlers:
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The reset button is located inside the cabinet, not outside
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It is often mounted on or near the heating element housing
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It may appear as a small red or black button on a round or rectangular limit switch
Because it’s a safety device, it is not designed for frequent homeowner interaction. In many cases, you must remove an access panel to see it.
This leads to confusion, because some homeowners expect a clearly labeled external reset switch. In reality, the Goodman furnace reset button location is intentionally protected to discourage repeated resetting without diagnosis.
Goodman Furnace Reset Switch vs. Breakers and Controls
Another common misunderstanding is confusing the reset button with other electrical components.
Circuit Breakers Are Not Reset Buttons
Electric furnaces draw significant electrical load. If a breaker trips, restoring power at the breaker panel is not the same as resetting a Goodman furnace reset switch. A tripped breaker indicates an electrical issue, not an overheating condition.
Control Boards Do Not “Reset” the Same Way
Turning power off and back on at the furnace disconnect or breaker can reset control logic, but it does not reset a tripped manual limit switch. If the Goodman furnace reset button has tripped, cycling power alone may not restore heat.
Understanding this distinction prevents unnecessary troubleshooting steps and repeated frustration.
How to Reset a Goodman Furnace Safely
If you’ve confirmed that your system is a Goodman electric furnace and you’re confident a reset is required, here’s the correct approach.
Step-by-Step: How to Reset Goodman Furnace (Electric)
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Turn off power to the furnace at the breaker or disconnect
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Allow the system to cool for at least 5–10 minutes
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Remove the access panel to the heating compartment
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Locate the reset switch on the limit device
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Press the reset button firmly until it clicks (if applicable)
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Replace the panel securely
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Restore power and observe operation
If the furnace resumes normal heating and continues running, the reset may have resolved a temporary condition. If it trips again, do not keep resetting it.
Why the Goodman Furnace Reset Button Trips
A reset button doesn’t trip randomly. It’s responding to a condition that could damage the furnace or create a safety risk.
Restricted Airflow (Most Common Cause)
Dirty filters, blocked return vents, or collapsed ductwork reduce airflow. In electric furnaces, restricted airflow causes heating elements to overheat rapidly, triggering the limit switch.
The Department of Energy consistently identifies airflow restrictions as a leading cause of heating system shutdowns (DOE heating system maintenance guidance).
Overheating Heating Elements
Damaged or failing electric heat strips can heat unevenly. When this happens, localized overheating trips the reset switch even if airflow seems adequate.
This is a frequent reason homeowners report that the furnace reset button keeps needing resetting.
Blower or Motor Issues
The MBVK’s variable-speed blower is critical to temperature regulation. If the motor fails to reach proper speed, airflow drops, heat builds up, and safety limits trip.
Because the blower may still appear to run, homeowners often misdiagnose this as a reset issue rather than an airflow problem.
Improper Thermostat Configuration
If a thermostat is not configured for electric heat, it may energize heating elements incorrectly. This can cause short cycling, overheating, and repeated trips of the Goodman furnace reset switch.
Why You Shouldn’t Keep Resetting the Furnace
This is where experience really matters. Repeatedly resetting a furnace without fixing the cause is dangerous.
Each time the reset button trips, it’s preventing:
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Damage to heating elements
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Electrical failures
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Fire risk
Professional HVAC guidance strongly discourages repeated manual resets without inspection. HVAC education resources like HVAC.com emphasize that reset switches are warning devices, not solutions (HVAC.com furnace safety troubleshooting).
If the reset button trips more than once, the furnace is telling you something is wrong.
How the Goodman MBVK Reduces Reset Issues
Modern systems like the MBVK include design features that reduce unnecessary shutdowns:
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Variable-speed airflow control improves heat dissipation
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Staged electric heat reduces thermal stress
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Advanced control boards monitor temperature and performance continuously
When properly installed and maintained, the MBVK rarely trips its reset switch. When it does, it’s usually pointing to an external issue like airflow or electrical supply—not a defect in the furnace itself.
Preventing Reset Button Problems Long-Term
Homeowners can take several proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of reset issues:
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Replace air filters regularly
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Keep all supply and return vents open
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Schedule annual professional maintenance
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Verify thermostat compatibility with electric heat
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Address unusual noises, smells, or cycling promptly
ENERGY STAR emphasizes preventive maintenance as one of the most effective ways to avoid heating system shutdowns and safety trips (ENERGY STAR heating system maintenance).
Final Thoughts from the Field
The Goodman furnace reset button is not a nuisance—it’s a safeguard. Knowing where the reset button is on a Goodman furnace, how to use it correctly, and when not to use it makes a significant difference in system reliability and safety.
With the Goodman MBVK electric furnace, reset issues are almost always symptoms, not causes. Treat them as diagnostic clues, not inconveniences to override. When you respect what the reset switch is telling you, you protect your equipment, your comfort, and your home.
