Few situations are more frustrating than waking up to a cold house and realizing your furnace isn’t heating. For homeowners with oil furnaces, questions like “how long to hold reset button on oil furnace”, “oil furnace reset button”, or “reset oil furnace” are extremely common. Even for those with electric furnaces like the Goodman MBVK, understanding the concept of resets, safety switches, and troubleshooting is crucial for safe and reliable operation.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about furnace reset buttons, how they differ between oil and electric systems, and best practices to maintain consistent heat in your home.
What Is a Furnace Reset Button?
A furnace reset button is a safety device that temporarily shuts down the system in the event of a fault. Common purposes include:
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Protecting against overheating
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Preventing blown fuses or electrical damage
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Resetting malfunctioning ignition or burner sequences
For oil furnaces, the reset button often relates to the burner motor or ignition safety circuit. In electric furnaces like the Goodman MBVK, reset buttons can be tied to blower motor protection or high-limit switches.
Understanding the Oil Furnace Reset Button
The oil furnace reset button is typically a small red button on the burner assembly. Its functions include:
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Shutting down the burner in the event of flame failure
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Preventing damage to the burner motor
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Acting as a manual override to restart the system
Homeowners often ask: “how long to hold reset button on oil furnace?” The general recommendation is to press and hold for 5–10 seconds, then release. Always ensure that power and fuel supply are correct before attempting a reset.
Step-by-Step Guide: Resetting an Oil Furnace
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Before pressing the reset button:
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Switch off the furnace power at the service panel
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Ensure the burner motor is not running
This prevents accidental ignition or electrical damage.
Step 2: Check Oil Supply
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Confirm that the oil tank has adequate fuel
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Inspect oil lines for leaks or clogs
Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button
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Locate the red reset button on the burner assembly
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Press and hold for 5–10 seconds
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Release and allow the system to attempt ignition
Step 4: Observe Operation
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The burner should ignite within a few seconds
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If it fails to ignite after one attempt, wait 10–15 minutes before trying again
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Do not press repeatedly, as this can flood the combustion chamber or damage components
Step 5: Call a Technician if Necessary
Repeated failures may indicate:
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Dirty or clogged burner nozzle
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Faulty ignition transformer
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Oil pump or motor problems
Professional inspection ensures safe operation. (HVAC.com)
Resetting Electric Furnaces: The Goodman MBVK
While oil furnaces use a burner and ignition system, the Goodman MBVK electric furnace relies on heat strips and a blower motor. It has safety features such as:
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High-limit switches to prevent overheating
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Blower motor protection
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Modular heat kits that can be staged or reset
The MBVK does not have oil burners, but the concept of resetting a system after a safety trip is similar. A blower or heat strip reset may be required if a high-limit switch trips.
Common Reasons for Furnace Resets
Oil Furnace
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Ignition failure – Flame does not establish within 15–20 seconds
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Oil flow issues – Clogged nozzle or lines
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Overheating – Safety limit switches activated
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Electrical faults – Burner motor or transformer failure
Electric Furnace (MBVK)
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Airflow restriction – Dirty filters or blocked vents trip high-limit switches
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Blower motor overload – ECM motor protection activates
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Heat strip failure – One or more strips fail to energize
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Control board error – Faulty signals prevent heat activation
Safety Tips for Resetting Furnaces
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Never bypass safety devices
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Turn off power before touching any reset button
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Inspect system components for damage before attempting a reset
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Do not repeatedly press the reset button—wait between attempts
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Call a licensed HVAC technician if resets are frequent
These precautions apply to both oil furnace reset button and Goodman MBVK electric furnace resets.
How Long to Hold Reset Button on Oil Furnace
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Recommended: 5–10 seconds
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Release and allow system to try ignition
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If unsuccessful, wait 10–15 minutes before retrying
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Do not exceed 3 attempts without professional inspection
Holding the button too long or repeatedly can flood the combustion chamber, damage the oil pump, or trip additional safety circuits.
Troubleshooting Reset Problems
Oil Furnace
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Burner won’t start: Check fuel supply, nozzle, and transformer
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Burner shuts off immediately: Inspect flame sensor and ignition system
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Frequent resets required: Clean or replace burner components
Goodman MBVK Electric Furnace
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Blower runs but no heat: Inspect high-limit switches and heat strips
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Furnace trips repeatedly: Check airflow, filters, and control board
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Noise or smell during operation: Turn off power and call technician
Maintenance Tips to Minimize Resets
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Regular filter replacement – prevents airflow restriction
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Inspect oil lines and nozzles – ensures proper fuel delivery
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Annual furnace inspection – verifies all safety and control components
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Keep area around furnace clean – prevents accidental overheating or obstruction
Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of needing frequent oil furnace resets or MBVK blower resets.
Summary: Reset Oil Furnace vs. Goodman MBVK Electric Furnace
Understanding the reset process is essential for safe furnace operation:
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Oil furnace reset button: Manages burner ignition and safety; hold 5–10 seconds for a proper reset
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Goodman MBVK electric furnace: Reset may involve blower motor or high-limit switches; ensures modular electric heat operates safely
By following proper safety procedures, troubleshooting steps, and regular maintenance, homeowners can maintain reliable heat during winter while minimizing emergency resets.
