Few experiences are more frustrating than turning up the thermostat and discovering that your furnace won’t produce heat. Often, homeowners notice that the furnace blower runs, but no heat follows. This is frequently related to issues with the igniter—especially in gas or hybrid heating systems. Questions like how to reset furnace igniter or how to reset furnace ignitor are common among homeowners trying to restore heat safely.
Even if you have a modern electric furnace like the Goodman MBVK, understanding the principles behind furnace ignition and reset procedures is important. While electric furnaces do not use gas igniters, the concept of reset and safety logic carries over. In this article, I’ll walk through what igniters do, how to safely reset them in compatible systems, common causes for ignition failure, and what lessons this provides for electric furnaces.
What a Furnace Igniter Does
A furnace igniter is the component responsible for initiating combustion in gas furnaces. In older models, this was often a pilot light; in modern systems, it’s typically an electronic or hot-surface ignitor.
The igniter:
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Heats to a high temperature to light the gas
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Works in coordination with safety switches and the blower
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Monitors ignition to ensure the burner lights safely
When the igniter fails, the furnace may behave as though it’s powered—fans run, controls respond—but no heat is produced. Homeowners will often search for instructions on how to reset furnace igniter to resolve this.
Electric furnaces, like the Goodman MBVK, don’t have gas igniters, but they share the same principle: if a key component responsible for heating fails, safety logic may prevent operation. Understanding igniter behavior helps explain how modern furnaces protect both equipment and occupants.
How to Reset Furnace Igniters Safely
Resetting a furnace igniter is often a simple process, but safety is paramount. Here’s a step-by-step guide applicable to most gas furnaces:
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Turn Off Power and Gas
Shut off the furnace at the breaker and close the gas supply if applicable. This prevents accidental ignition during the reset process. -
Locate the Reset Procedure
Some furnaces have a dedicated reset button for the ignition system. Others require cycling the furnace power off and on to reset the control board. -
Wait Before Resetting
Many systems need a short pause—typically 30–60 seconds—to allow safety relays and flame sensors to reset. -
Press the Reset Button or Cycle Power
Hold the button according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 5–10 seconds. Release, wait a moment, then attempt to restart the furnace. -
Observe Operation
Check that the igniter heats properly and the burners light. If the system fails repeatedly, further inspection is needed.
For homeowners seeking professional guidance, resources from ASHRAE provide detailed explanations of furnace ignition safety standards.
Common Causes for Igniter Failure
Understanding why igniters fail helps homeowners troubleshoot safely and prevent repeated resets.
1. Electrical Issues
Loose wiring, blown fuses, or tripped breakers can prevent the igniter from receiving power.
2. Flame Sensor Problems
If the flame sensor cannot detect a stable flame, the furnace may shut down immediately. Cleaning or adjusting the sensor is often necessary.
3. Wear and Tear
Igniters degrade over time. Hot-surface ignitors are particularly sensitive to repeated heating and cooling cycles.
4. Blocked Gas Flow
Obstructions in the gas line or clogged burners prevent ignition. Resetting without resolving this will not succeed.
5. Control Board Errors
Modern furnaces coordinate ignition with the blower, safety limits, and other sensors. Faulty boards can block the igniter from activating.
For more on furnace electrical and safety considerations, ACCA provides guidelines on troubleshooting and proper maintenance.
Safety Precautions When Resetting Igniters
Igniter reset involves potentially flammable gas and electrical components. Follow these precautions:
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Never attempt a reset with gas leaks present
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Turn off the furnace power at the breaker
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Wait the manufacturer-recommended time before retrying
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Avoid repeated resets without identifying the root cause
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If unsure, contact a licensed HVAC technician
Organizations such as the U.S. Department of Energy highlight the importance of professional servicing when multiple resets are required.
Lessons for Electric Furnaces Like the Goodman MBVK
The Goodman MBVK electric furnace does not use a gas igniter, but understanding igniter reset logic helps homeowners appreciate modern electric safety design:
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Automatic Fault Detection: Modern electric furnaces monitor heating element performance and airflow, interrupting operation if unsafe conditions are detected.
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No Manual Reset Needed: Unlike gas igniters, electric furnaces reset automatically once conditions normalize.
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Blower Safety Continues: Even if heating elements are disabled, the blower may continue to circulate air to prevent overheating—similar to how gas furnaces operate during failed ignition cycles.
Recognizing this logic helps explain why the blower runs but no heat occurs—the furnace is following its safety protocol.
How Often Should You Reset?
Whether for a gas igniter or electric system fault:
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One reset attempt is generally safe
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Repeated resets without diagnosing the problem can cause damage
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Safety-first: if a second attempt fails, call a professional
Repeated faults may indicate worn components, airflow problems, or electrical issues. For electric furnaces, persistent blower-only operation should prompt inspection of heating elements, limit switches, and the control board.
Routine Maintenance to Reduce Igniter Issues
Proper maintenance reduces the likelihood of igniter failure and unnecessary resets:
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Clean or replace air filters regularly
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Inspect burners or heating elements for debris or damage
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Check gas lines (for gas systems) or wiring (for electric systems)
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Schedule annual professional inspections
Well-maintained systems—whether gas or electric—operate more reliably and safely.
For homeowners interested in professional HVAC maintenance best practices, Energy.gov offers helpful tips on keeping heating systems efficient and safe.
Recognizing When Professional Help Is Needed
Even with careful resets, some issues cannot be fixed by homeowners:
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Igniters failing repeatedly
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Electrical faults in the control board
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Persistent airflow problems
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Safety switch trips
Attempting DIY repairs in these cases can be dangerous. A licensed HVAC technician can:
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Diagnose electrical or combustion issues
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Replace worn igniters or sensors
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Verify airflow and safety systems
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Restore reliable heat without risk
Summary: Resetting Igniters and Modern Furnace Safety
Understanding how to reset furnace igniter or how to reset furnace ignitor is essential for homeowners with gas furnaces. The process ensures safety while allowing the furnace to attempt a restart.
Even if you have a modern electric furnace like the Goodman MBVK, the same safety philosophy applies. Systems are designed to interrupt heating when conditions are unsafe and to protect the home and equipment. Learning the logic behind igniter resets helps homeowners understand why blowers may run without heat and why professional evaluation is sometimes required.
Regular maintenance, proper airflow management, and understanding system logic are the keys to reliable heating—regardless of whether you have gas, oil, or electric heat.
