When your furnace stops working properly, knowing how to reset the circuit board can save you time and stress. Resetting the furnace control board usually means turning off the power completely, waiting a few minutes, and then turning it back on to clear any errors.
This simple action can often fix issues caused by power surges or safety shutdowns. You’ll find the reset process is easy once you know the steps.
Whether it’s a pilot light problem or a temporary glitch, resetting your furnace’s control board often brings it back to life without needing expensive repairs. Sun Heating & Cooling is here to help you understand these steps so you can feel confident managing your system.
Understanding Your Furnace Circuit Board
Your furnace’s circuit board is the control center that keeps everything running smoothly. Knowing what it does, spotting signs of trouble, and taking proper safety steps before resetting can save you time and prevent damage.
What a Circuit Board Does in a Furnace
The furnace circuit board controls many critical functions. It receives signals from sensors that monitor temperature, flame, and airflow.
Based on these signals, it manages parts like the gas valve and blower motor. When you adjust your thermostat, the control board activates the furnace to start heating.
It also ensures safety by shutting down the system if it detects unsafe conditions. This helps prevent problems like overheating or gas leaks.
Without a properly working circuit board, the furnace won’t start or work efficiently.
Common Signs of Circuit Board Issues
If your furnace isn’t working right, the circuit board may be the cause. Look out for these signs:
- Furnace won’t start or suddenly stops.
- Blower fan runs but no heat.
- Furnace cycles on and off frequently.
- Error or blinking lights on the furnace control panel.
Sometimes, the furnace may enter a “lockout” mode to protect itself from damage. Soft lockouts cause the unit to pause for a while.
Hard lockouts require a reset of the control board to fix the issue.
Safety Precautions Before Resetting
Before you reset the circuit board, safety is important. First, turn off power to your furnace using the nearest switch or your home’s circuit breaker.
This prevents electrical shock and protects the board from damage. Wait at least 10 minutes after power is off.
This allows the board and furnace to fully reset. Avoid pressing buttons while the unit is powered on unless the manual specifically instructs you to do so.
If you’re unsure about working inside your furnace, it’s best to call professionals like Sun Heating & Cooling. They can safely diagnose and fix problems without risking injury or damage.
Preparing to Reset the Circuit Board
Before you reset the furnace circuit board, you need to know exactly where the board is, gather the right tools, and make sure the furnace power is safely off. Taking these steps helps protect both you and the equipment from harm.
Locating the Circuit Board
The circuit board is usually inside your furnace’s main access panel. First, turn off any metal latches or screws holding the panel in place.
The board often has small lights and several wires connected to it. Look for a small rectangular or square board, typically mounted on a metal frame near the blower motor or control area.
It usually has labels or stickers with model details. If you cannot easily find it, check your furnace manual or call a professional.
Knowing the exact location ensures you don’t touch or damage other parts while working.
Tools and Materials Needed
You won’t need many tools to reset the circuit board, but having the right ones ready makes the process smoother.
- Screwdriver: Usually a Philips head to remove the furnace access panel.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from sharp edges and electrical parts.
- Flashlight: Helps you see inside the furnace in low light.
- Multimeter (optional): To check if power is truly off, adding an extra safety step.
Having these tools at hand prevents delays and keeps you safe while you work.
Turning Off Power to the Furnace
Safety is key when working with electrical components. Always turn off the furnace power before touching the circuit board.
Locate the switch near your furnace that looks like a light switch and flip it off. If you don’t find it, turn off the furnace’s circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel.
Wait at least 5 to 10 minutes to let any stored energy in the board discharge. Double check that diagnostic lights on the board are off before proceeding.
If you feel unsure or uncomfortable, it’s okay to call Sun Heating & Cooling for expert help. They can guide you or handle the reset safely.
Step-By-Step Guide to Resetting the Circuit Board
Resetting your furnace’s circuit board can fix many common problems. This process usually involves turning off power, using a reset button if your system has one, and giving the board time to reboot fully.
Taking these actions carefully will help avoid damage and get your furnace back to working properly.
Disconnecting and Reconnecting Power
Start by turning off the power to your furnace. This means shutting off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit if accessible.
This step is important to keep you safe and protect the circuit board from electrical damage. After the power is off, wait at least 30 seconds.
This pause allows all stored electricity in the system to drain. When ready, turn the power back on carefully.
Doing this power cycle can clear many small errors in the circuit board. If you feel unsure, contact experts like Sun Heating & Cooling to help with this step safely.
Using the Reset Button if Available
Some furnaces have a reset button on the control board. Check your furnace manual or look near the board for a small red or black button labeled “reset.”
Press and hold this button for about 5 to 10 seconds. Release it, then wait a few moments.
The system may beep, or some lights might flash, showing the reset started. If no button exists or pressing it does not work, try disconnecting power again or move to rebooting the board fully.
If problems continue, Sun Heating & Cooling can offer hands-on support to ensure everything works right.
Allowing the Board to Reboot
After power is restored or the reset button is pressed, let the circuit board reboot fully. This usually takes about 1 to 5 minutes.
During this time, the furnace runs self-tests and checks sensors. Avoid turning the power off or adjusting settings during this reboot time.
Interrupting it can cause errors or prevent the furnace from starting correctly. Once the reboot finishes, your furnace should respond normally.
If issues persist, you might need professional diagnostics to prevent bigger problems.
Testing the Furnace After Reset
After resetting your furnace’s circuit board, you need to make sure everything works correctly. This involves restoring power safely, checking how the furnace operates, and watching for any error codes or warning lights.
Restoring Power
The first step is to turn the power back on to your furnace. Locate the circuit breaker or switch that you turned off during the reset process.
Flip it back on to restore electricity to the furnace. Make sure the furnace’s power switch is in the “on” position.
Avoid turning the power on and off rapidly, as this can cause more issues. Give the furnace a few moments to start up after power is restored.
If you don’t feel comfortable working with electrical components, contacting a professional from Sun Heating & Cooling can help with safely restoring power.
Checking Furnace Operation
Once power is back, observe how your furnace begins to operate. Listen for the fan turning on, and check if the burner ignites.
These signs show that the furnace is working as intended. Set your thermostat to call for heat to ensure the furnace responds correctly.
Watch for steady operation, without unusual noises or frequent cycling on and off.
If the furnace doesn’t respond or behaves oddly, such as failing to heat or turning off quickly, consider troubleshooting or contacting heating experts.
Observing Error Codes or Lights
Many modern furnaces have indicator lights or display error codes when something isn’t right. After a reset, watch these lights carefully.
A steady green light usually means normal operation. If you see flashing lights or error codes, consult your furnace’s manual to interpret them.
These signals help diagnose problems like sensor issues or system faults. Recording any error patterns can be useful if you need professional help.
Your trusted HVAC experts at Sun Heating & Cooling can assist in decoding these signals and fixing your furnace reliably.
Troubleshooting If a Reset Doesn’t Work
If your furnace control board reset doesn’t fix the problem, there are some checks you can do. Look for any clear signs of damage, and know when it’s best to get a professional to help.
Inspecting for Visible Damage
Start by turning off the power to your furnace before you look inside. Check the circuit board for burn marks, corrosion, or loose wires.
These are signs that parts might be damaged or failing. Also, inspect the wiring connections.
Make sure none of the wires are frayed or disconnected. Sometimes, a simple loose wire causes the problem, which you might be able to fix yourself.
Look at the fuse near the control board. If it’s blown, replacing it could solve the issue.
But if it blows again right after a reset, there might be a deeper electrical problem that needs attention. Be cautious not to touch anything inside the furnace if you’re unsure.
Some parts carry an electric charge even when the power is off.
When to Contact a Professional
If the visible checks don’t show any problems or your furnace still won’t work after a reset, it’s time to call an expert. Troubles like a faulty control board, broken igniter, or blower motor need professional repair.
Sun Heating & Cooling has skilled technicians who can diagnose and fix these issues safely. Trying to repair the control board yourself without experience might cause more damage or lead to safety risks.
Also, if your furnace keeps shutting down or has unusual noises or smells, you should get help right away. A quick call to Sun Heating & Cooling can arrange for a technician to inspect your system and restore safe, reliable heating.
Preventing Future Circuit Board Problems
Keeping your furnace’s circuit board working well means staying on top of a few key care habits. Paying attention to maintenance, managing power risks, and keeping your furnace clean can all help avoid future troubles.
Routine Maintenance Tips
Regular checkups make a big difference. Changing your furnace filter every 1-3 months keeps dust from building up and stressing the circuit board.
Also, have a professional inspect your furnace yearly. They can spot small issues before they cause board failures.
During maintenance, your technician will check wiring connections and replace worn parts. Tightening loose wires stops shorts and errors.
If you notice your furnace acting strange, don’t wait — call Sun Heating & Cooling to look it over.
Addressing Power Surges
Power surges can damage the furnace circuit board quickly. You should protect your furnace by using a surge protector on its power supply.
This device eases sudden voltage spikes that might fry the control board. Also, if you live in an area with unstable electricity, consider installing a whole-house surge protector.
It defends all your devices, including the furnace. If your circuit breaker trips often or your lights flicker, have your electrician or heating expert check your system.
Protecting your furnace from power surges avoids costly repairs or board replacements later.
Keeping the Furnace Clean
Dust and debris inside the furnace cause heat problems and can harm the circuit board. You should clean the area around the furnace often and vacuum dust from vents and intake grills.
Inside the furnace, dirt can block sensors and cause the board to fail. If you see dust buildup or notice poor furnace performance, schedule a cleaning.
Keeping your furnace clean lets it run smoothly and extends the life of the control board. If you’re unsure how to clean it safely, the team at Sun Heating & Cooling can help with thorough, careful service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resetting your furnace or its control board may seem tricky, but it’s mostly about knowing the right steps and where to look. This helps you get your heat back on without a long wait or calling a technician right away.
Where can I find the reset button on my furnace?
The reset button is usually a small red button located on the furnace’s control board or near the burner. It might be behind a panel or inside an access door.
If you don’t see it immediately, check the furnace manual or look near the blower motor or gas valve area.
What steps are involved in restarting a furnace after changing the filter?
First, turn off the furnace power at the breaker or power switch. Change the filter carefully, making sure it’s installed the right way.
Wait a few minutes before turning the power back on. This helps the system reset and recognize the new filter.
How do you restart a furnace pilot light?
Turn off the furnace power and wait for any gas to clear. Find the pilot light access and turn the knob to “pilot” position.
Press and hold the reset or pilot button while lighting the pilot with a match or built-in igniter. Keep holding the button for 30-60 seconds after the pilot lights.
Turn the knob back to “on.”
What’s the proper way to reset a Lennox furnace?
Turn off the power to your Lennox furnace using the circuit breaker or power switch. Wait at least 10 minutes for the control board to fully reset.
Press and hold the reset button if your model has one. If not, restarting power at the breaker is usually enough to reset the system safely.
How can I tell if my furnace requires a reset?
If your furnace keeps cycling on and off, shows error codes, or won’t start, it might need a reset. Other signs include inconsistent heat or the blower running without heat.
If you notice strange noises or the furnace shuts down quickly, try a reset. If problems continue, call an expert for help.
Does turning off the breaker help in resetting the furnace?
Yes. Turning off the breaker cuts power to the control board, which resets the system.
Leave the power off for about 10 minutes before turning it back on. Always use caution when working with electrical parts.
