If you’ve ever wondered “how to reset furnace igniter” or “how to reset furnace ignitor,” you’re not alone. A malfunctioning furnace igniter is one of the most common reasons a heating system stops producing heat. As Savvy Mavi, I’m here to break down exactly what’s happening, how to safely reset your furnace igniter, and how this process relates to the Goodman MBVK electric furnace. Even though the MBVK is an electric model without a traditional gas igniter, the principles of safety, reset procedures, and troubleshooting are surprisingly similar.
Understanding Furnace Igniters
A furnace igniter is the component responsible for lighting the fuel source—usually gas—in a furnace. In gas furnaces, this replaces the older pilot light systems. When the igniter fails or is locked out, the furnace blower may run, but no heat is produced. That’s when homeowners search for “how to reset furnace igniter.”
Igniters can fail due to:
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Cracks or wear in ceramic elements
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Electrical issues, such as loose wiring
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Control board failures
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Overheating or safety lockouts
Although electric furnaces like the Goodman MBVK do not use igniters, they have heating elements that operate under similar safety logic: if the system detects a fault, the elements won’t energize until the issue is cleared.
Signs You Might Need to Reset a Furnace Igniter
You may need to reset your furnace ignitor if you notice the following:
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Furnace blower runs, but no heat comes out
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Furnace cycles on and off without lighting
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Thermostat shows heating mode, but flames never ignite
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Furnace error codes indicate ignition failure
Recognizing these signs early can prevent further damage and maintain home comfort.
Safety First: Precautions Before Resetting
Before attempting to reset a furnace igniter:
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Turn off the furnace power at the breaker or switch.
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Wait for the system to cool if it recently ran.
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Inspect for obvious issues such as loose wires, soot, or debris near the burner.
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Do not bypass safety switches; they protect both you and your furnace.
Electric furnaces, like the Goodman MBVK, have safety interlocks and limit switches that serve a similar protective function. Understanding this helps homeowners appreciate why resets should be handled carefully.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reset Furnace Igniter
While exact steps vary by manufacturer, the general procedure is as follows:
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Turn Off the Furnace: Ensure the thermostat is off and the furnace is disconnected from power.
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Locate the Igniter: On gas furnaces, this is usually near the burner assembly. Look for a small, ceramic or metal rod.
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Inspect the Igniter: Check for visible cracks, breaks, or soot. Clean gently if needed.
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Reset the Igniter:
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For electronic ignition systems, there may be a dedicated reset button. Press it according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually a firm press for 5–10 seconds).
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For some furnaces, cycling the furnace power by turning it off and on effectively resets the igniter.
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Restore Power and Call for Heat: Turn the thermostat to heating mode and observe the furnace ignition sequence.
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Monitor Operation: Ensure the furnace lights properly and heats consistently. If it trips again, do not attempt repeated resets; call a professional.
Troubleshooting After Reset
If resetting the igniter does not restore heat:
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Check the gas supply: Ensure the gas valve is open and fuel is reaching the furnace.
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Inspect electrical connections: Loose or corroded wires can prevent ignition.
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Look for error codes: Modern furnaces will often indicate the type of failure on the control board.
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Examine the control board: If repeated lockouts occur, the issue may be with the sequencer or board.
Remember, electric furnaces like the Goodman MBVK eliminate gas and ignition concerns, but similar troubleshooting applies to the heating element and control circuits.
Why Igniters Fail
Common causes of igniter failure include:
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Age and wear: Ceramic igniters can crack over time.
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Overheating: Faulty airflow or dirty filters can trip limit switches and damage igniters.
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Power surges: Electrical fluctuations can fry sensitive electronics.
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Improper maintenance: Accumulated dust, soot, or debris can interfere with ignition.
Routine maintenance can extend the lifespan of both igniters and electric furnace elements.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
To reduce the need for frequent igniter resets:
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Replace air filters regularly to maintain proper airflow.
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Keep the burner and surrounding areas clean to prevent soot buildup.
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Schedule annual furnace inspections with a licensed technician.
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Monitor thermostat settings to prevent unnecessary cycling.
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Ensure proper electrical connections on igniters and control boards.
For the Goodman MBVK electric furnace, maintaining clean heating elements, blower motors, and accessible filters serves the same purpose.
How the Goodman MBVK Electric Furnace Compares
Though it does not use a gas igniter, the MBVK uses electric heating elements that rely on safety interlocks. Key similarities include:
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Safety systems prevent energizing the elements under unsafe conditions.
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Reset procedures involve cycling power or troubleshooting control board errors.
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Maintenance of airflow and electrical connections is crucial to prevent shutdowns.
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Observing warning indicators and error codes helps diagnose problems before serious failure.
Understanding these parallels helps homeowners troubleshoot any furnace, whether gas or electric.
When to Call a Professional
Resetting a furnace igniter is generally safe if instructions are followed. However, contact a licensed HVAC technician if:
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The furnace repeatedly fails to ignite after reset
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There are unusual smells or noises
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Electrical components appear damaged
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The furnace is older and may require part replacement
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Safety switches continue to trip
Professionals can test igniters, control boards, and fuel delivery systems safely, ensuring both performance and safety.
Conclusion: Treat the Reset as a Diagnostic Tool
A furnace igniter reset is never a permanent fix. It is a way to safely restart your system after a minor fault. For gas furnaces, pressing the reset button or cycling power helps resume ignition. For electric furnaces like the Goodman MBVK, understanding reset procedures for heating elements and safety interlocks is critical.
Regular maintenance, proper inspection, and timely professional service are the keys to reliable home heating. By knowing how to reset a furnace igniter and what to check afterward, you can troubleshoot effectively and maintain comfort and safety in your home.
