Few things are more inconvenient than turning on your furnace on a chilly morning only to find it won’t ignite. Homeowners often ask: How do I reset a furnace igniter? or How do I reset a furnace ignitor safely? Understanding the proper procedure is critical to restoring heat safely, troubleshooting underlying issues, and ensuring long-term furnace reliability.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to reset your furnace igniter, the differences between types of igniters, troubleshooting tips, safety precautions, and best maintenance practices. While the Goodman MBVK electric furnace operates differently than gas furnaces with igniters, many principles of safety, electrical operation, and troubleshooting remain the same across HVAC systems.
What is a Furnace Igniter?
A furnace igniter (or ignitor) is an essential component in modern gas or hybrid furnaces. Its primary role is to:
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Ignite the fuel (natural gas or propane) safely and reliably
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Replace traditional pilot lights in most modern furnaces
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Work in coordination with the control board, gas valve, and safety sensors
Common types of furnace igniters include:
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Hot surface igniters (HSI) – Ceramic elements that glow red-hot to ignite gas
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Spark igniters – Use electrical sparks to ignite the fuel
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Direct spark ignition – Found in some high-efficiency furnaces
For more technical information about furnace igniters, see Energy.gov – Furnace Efficiency and Components.
Why Your Furnace Igniter Needs Resetting
The furnace igniter may need resetting when the furnace fails to light due to:
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Power interruptions – Electrical outages or tripped breakers
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Failed ignition attempts – Safety sensors prevent operation after multiple failed ignition cycles
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Control board safety lockouts – Protects the furnace from unsafe operation
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Faulty or dirty igniters – Reduce reliability and cause failed ignition sequences
The reset function allows the furnace to attempt ignition again after troubleshooting or correcting minor faults.
How to Reset Furnace Igniter: Step-by-Step
Before performing any reset, ensure you follow safety protocols:
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Turn off power to the furnace – Shut off the breaker or disconnect switch to prevent electrical hazards.
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Wait for the furnace to cool – Give at least 5–10 minutes if the igniter or furnace has been operating.
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Locate the reset mechanism – Some furnaces have a dedicated igniter reset button, while others require restarting the furnace via the thermostat.
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Press or reset as instructed – If your furnace has a manual igniter reset button, press it briefly (usually 2–5 seconds). For furnaces without a button, cycling power or thermostat settings may initiate a reset sequence.
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Restore power and monitor ignition – Turn the breaker back on and observe the furnace sequence to ensure proper ignition.
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Check for errors – Many modern furnaces display error codes on the control board or via LED indicators. Use the furnace manual to interpret codes.
For detailed guidance, see HVAC School – Igniter Troubleshooting.
Common Issues That Require Igniter Reset
Understanding why you need to reset your furnace igniter helps prevent repeated failures:
1. Failed Hot Surface Igniter
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Igniters can wear out or develop cracks over time
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HSI failures prevent the furnace from igniting gas
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Replacing a damaged igniter may be necessary if repeated resets fail
2. Flame Sensor Malfunction
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Modern furnaces monitor flame detection to prevent unsafe operation
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A dirty or misaligned flame sensor may prevent ignition
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Cleaning the sensor can often restore normal operation
3. Control Board Lockouts
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After multiple failed ignition attempts, the furnace may enter a safety lockout mode
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Resetting the igniter or power cycle clears the lockout and allows the furnace to attempt ignition again
4. Gas Supply Issues
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Insufficient gas pressure or closed gas valves can prevent ignition
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Always verify that the gas supply is active before attempting an igniter reset
Safety Precautions
Resetting a furnace igniter involves electrical and gas components. Follow these safety measures:
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Turn off power – Always disconnect electrical power before touching igniters or control boards
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Avoid touching the igniter directly – Hot surface igniters are extremely fragile and can break if handled improperly
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Do not attempt multiple resets – If the furnace does not ignite after one or two resets, investigate the underlying issue
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Keep the area clear of flammable materials – Sparks or malfunctioning components can ignite combustible substances
For additional safety guidelines, see HVAC.com – Furnace Safety Tips.
Maintenance Tips to Reduce Igniter Resets
Preventing frequent igniter resets relies on proactive maintenance:
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Clean the furnace components – Dust, debris, and soot can interfere with igniter performance
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Inspect the igniter regularly – Look for cracks or discoloration on hot surface igniters
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Check the flame sensor – Ensure proper alignment and clean periodically
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Replace worn components – Aging igniters or control boards can fail unpredictably
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Schedule annual professional inspections – Technicians can test ignition sequences and verify safety systems
Routine maintenance reduces downtime, ensures efficient operation, and minimizes the need for frequent manual igniter resets.
Differences Between Electric Furnaces and Igniter-Based Furnaces
The Goodman MBVK electric furnace does not use a gas igniter. Instead:
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Heat is generated using staged electric heating elements
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Blower operation is controlled by sequencers and variable-speed motors
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Safety cutoffs are integrated and do not require a manual reset
However, both electric and gas furnaces rely on proper airflow, functional safety devices, and electrical integrity to operate efficiently. Understanding these similarities helps homeowners maintain all types of heating systems.
For more details on electric furnace maintenance, see Energy.gov – Electric Heating Systems.
Troubleshooting Igniter Problems
If your furnace fails to ignite even after resetting the igniter, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
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Inspect the igniter – Check for cracks, discoloration, or physical damage
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Check the flame sensor – Clean or realign if necessary
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Verify gas supply – Ensure valves are open and pressure is adequate
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Inspect control board connections – Look for loose or corroded wiring
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Monitor error codes – Use the furnace manual to interpret LED codes and diagnose faults
If problems persist, contact a licensed HVAC technician to safely diagnose and repair the system.
When to Call a Professional
Some igniter issues require professional service, especially when:
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Repeated resets do not restore ignition
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Components are damaged or burned out
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Control board malfunctions or error codes persist
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Gas pressure or supply issues are suspected
Professional HVAC technicians have the tools and expertise to safely replace igniters, troubleshoot control boards, and ensure the furnace operates reliably.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to reset a furnace igniter is essential for homeowners dealing with furnace startup issues. While the Goodman MBVK electric furnace doesn’t use an igniter, understanding the principles of safe operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance applies to all HVAC systems.
Key takeaways:
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Press the reset button briefly (2–5 seconds) or follow your furnace manual instructions
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Identify and address the underlying cause of ignition failure
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Perform regular maintenance on igniters, flame sensors, and control boards
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Call a licensed professional if repeated resets fail
By following these guidelines, homeowners can restore warmth safely, maintain furnace efficiency, and reduce the likelihood of repeated ignition failures.
For further technical guidance and safety resources:
With proper understanding and maintenance, your furnace can provide reliable heat all season long without frequent igniter issues.
