Concord Furnace Reset Button Guide: How to Reset, Troubleshoot, and Prevent Trips

The Concord furnace reset button is a small but important safety feature that helps protect the furnace from damage by temporarily shutting down the system when a fault is detected. This guide explains what the reset button does, step-by-step procedures to safely reset a Concord furnace, common causes for trips, diagnostic tips, preventive maintenance, and when to call a licensed HVAC technician. The information is relevant to homeowners and renters using Concord brand furnaces and compatible models across the U.S.

Topic	Quick Take
Reset Purpose	Safety cutoff for overheating/limit switch faults
Basic Reset Steps	Turn off power, wait, press reset once, restore power
Common Causes	Clogged filters, blocked vents, ignition issues, flame rollout
When To Call A Pro	Repeated trips, burning smell, visible damage, pilot/ignition failures

What The Concord Furnace Reset Button Does

The reset button on many Concord furnaces is linked to the primary safety limit or roller-type thermal cutoff. When excessive heat or a hazardous condition is detected, the button trips to cut power to the burners and blower, preventing damage and fire risk.

Key Function: Reset Button Stops Fuel And Spark Until The Cause Is Cleared. It Does Not Fix Underlying Problems.

Where To Find The Reset Button On A Concord Furnace

Location varies by model. Common places include the furnace control panel, near the burners, on the blower compartment, or on the front service panel. The button is often red or recessed and labeled RESET or LIMIT.

Always consult the furnace’s owner manual for the exact location and model-specific diagrams. If the manual is unavailable, the serial/model number on the unit can help locate the correct documentation online.

Safety Precautions Before Attempting A Reset

Resetting a furnace involves electrical and gas components. Ensure safety first to reduce risk of injury or worse.

• Turn off electrical power at the furnace switch and the home circuit breaker before accessing internal components.
• Turn off the gas supply at the furnace gas valve if any gas-side work or strong odors are present.
• Allow the furnace to cool for at least five to ten minutes if it has been running hot.
• Do not press the reset button more than once without diagnosing the cause. Repeated resets can create a dangerous situation.

Step-By-Step: How To Reset A Concord Furnace Safely

This is a general reset procedure. Specific Concord models may require slight variations. Use the furnace manual if possible.

1. Turn Off Thermostat: Set to OFF and turn down temperature settings to stop calling for heat.
2. Power Down Furnace: Switch off the furnace power switch and shut off the circuit breaker feeding the unit.
3. Wait: Let the furnace cool and the internal systems discharge for 5–10 minutes.
4. Locate Reset Button: Open the access panel and find the reset or limit button, typically red and labeled.
5. Press Once: Firmly press the reset button once and release. Avoid multiple presses.
6. Restore Power: Reinstall panels, turn on the circuit breaker and power switch, then set thermostat to heat.
7. Observe Startup: Watch for normal ignition sequence, blower operation, and absence of unusual sounds or smells.

Troubleshooting If The Furnace Won’t Reset Or Trips Again

If the furnace trips again immediately or won’t reset, further diagnosis is required. Frequent trips indicate unresolved safety issues.

• Airflow Problems: Dirty air filters, closed supply registers, or blocked return vents restrict airflow and cause overheating. Replace filters and ensure vents are open.
• Blocked Exhaust/Intake: For direct-vent units, ensure flue and intake are clear of debris, snow, or nests.
• Blower Motor Issues: A failing blower or capacitors can prevent proper circulation, leading to limit trips.
• Ignition And Flame Problems: Erratic flame, delayed ignition, or flame rollout can trip safety limits and require professional inspection.
• Limit Switch Failure: The limit or rollout switch itself might be defective and need replacement by a technician.

Common Causes That Make The Reset Button Trip

Understanding common causes helps homeowners prevent trips and correctly communicate symptoms to service technicians.

• Clogged Filters: The leading cause of overheating. Replace filters regularly per manufacturer guidelines.
• Restricted Vents Or Ducts: Closed registers or blocked return ducts reduce airflow dramatically.
• Dirty Blower Wheel: Accumulated dust reduces airflow and forces the furnace to overheat.
• Poor Combustion or Flame Rollout: Improper burner operation or cracked heat exchangers trigger safety devices immediately.
• Flue Or Vent Obstruction: Obstructions can cause improper venting and pressure switch faults, sometimes causing reset trips.

How To Diagnose Before Calling A Technician

Do basic checks to gather useful information for the technician and possibly resolve simple causes.

• Check Filters: Inspect or replace the filter. Note the filter size and replacement date.
• Listen And Smell: Record any unusual noises or gas/ burning odors. A persistent burning smell may indicate overheating insulation or wiring.
• Observe Sequence: Note whether the blower runs, the ignition sequence occurs, and if the flame is steady.
• Check Vents And Exhaust: Ensure outside vents are clear of snow, debris, or nests.
• Error Codes: Look for LED or control board error codes on newer Concord models; record blinking patterns for diagnostics.

Maintenance Tips To Prevent Reset Button Trips

Regular maintenance reduces the probability of trips and extends the life of a Concord furnace.

• Change Filters Monthly Or Per Manufacturer Recommendations.
• Schedule Annual HVAC Tune-Up: Professional inspection of burners, heat exchanger, ignition system, and controls is essential.
• Keep Returns And Supply Registers Open And Clear.
• Clean Around Furnace: Remove dust and combustible materials from the furnace area.
• Seal Duct Leaks: Proper airflow depends on sealed ducts; leaks reduce efficiency and can cause overheating.

When The Reset Button Indicates A Serious Problem

Some symptoms require immediate professional attention rather than homeowner troubleshooting.

• Repeated Trips: If the reset button trips multiple times in a short period, discontinue attempts to restart and call an HVAC technician.
• Burning Or Electrical Smell: Turn off the system and gas valve and evacuate if odor is strong. Contact emergency service if necessary.
• Visible Damage Or Cracks In Heat Exchanger: These are dangerous and require immediate shutdown and professional repair.
• Gas Odor: Any smell of gas must be treated as an emergency—leave the premises and call the gas utility or 911.

Parts And Replacement: Reset Buttons, Limit Switches, And Controls

If the reset button or limit switch is faulty, replacement is straightforward but should be performed by qualified personnel unless the homeowner has proper training.

• Identify Part Number: Use the furnace model and serial number to order compatible parts.
• Reset Button vs. Limit Switch: Sometimes the whole limit assembly or control board needs replacement rather than just the button.
• Costs: Replacement parts and labor can vary. Expect a technician service call plus parts; complex repairs like heat exchanger replacement are significantly costlier.
• Warranty Considerations: Check manufacturer warranty before any DIY repairs to avoid voiding coverage.

Concord Furnace Error Codes And LED Diagnostics

Many modern Concord units include LED indicators or control board displays that flash error codes. These codes quickly point to common issues like pressure switch faults, ignition lockouts, or limit trips.

Action: Photograph or note the LED blink pattern and provide it to the service technician to speed diagnosis. Refer to the model-specific service manual for exact code meaning.

DIY Checklist Before Calling An HVAC Technician

Completing a few checks can reduce diagnostic time and service costs when a technician arrives.

1. Replace Or Inspect The Air Filter.
2. Ensure All Vents Are Open And Returns Clear.
3. Check For Blocked Intake And Exhaust Vents Outside.
4. Turn Furnace Power Off And On Once After A Reset Attempt To See If The Unit Completes Startup.
5. Record Any Error Codes, Noises, Or Odors.

How Long Should The Reset Button Hold Before It Trips Again?

A properly functioning furnace should not repeatedly trip. After a single legitimate reset and repair of the underlying cause, the system should run continuous heating cycles without the reset button being triggered.

If a reset allows operation only briefly before tripping, the issue is active and requires professional attention.

Costs And What To Expect For Repairs

Repair costs vary widely based on the fault and region. Typical service call fees range from moderate to higher in peak seasons. Simple fixes like filter replacement are inexpensive, while heat exchanger or control board replacements are more costly.

Request an itemized estimate and ask about parts warranties and labor guarantees to make informed decisions.

How To Communicate Problems To A Technician

Clear, concise descriptions help technicians diagnose faster and reduce service time.

• Provide Model And Serial Number From The Nameplate.
• Report Exact Symptoms: e.g., “reset button tripped after 5 minutes of runtime,” “burning smell present,” or “LED code flashing three times.”
• Mention Maintenance History: Last filter change and last professional service date.
• Share Any DIY Steps Taken: Replaced filter, cleared vent, pressed reset once, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is It Safe To Press The Reset Button On My Concord Furnace?

Press the reset button only after powering down and cooling the unit. Press once and monitor. Repeated pressing without addressing the cause is not safe.

How Many Times Can The Furnace Be Reset?

There is no fixed count, but repeated resets suggest an unresolved hazard. Limit repeated resets and call a technician if the problem recurs.

Can A Dirty Filter Really Cause The Reset Button To Trip?

Yes. Restricted airflow from dirty filters often causes the furnace to overheat and trip the limit switch, requiring only filter replacement to resolve in many cases.

What If I Press The Reset Button And Smell Gas?

Shut off the gas supply immediately, leave the premises, and call the gas company or emergency services. Do not attempt to restart the furnace.

Resources And Next Steps

For model-specific information, download the Concord furnace manual using the model/serial number on the unit. Schedule an annual service with an NATE-certified technician for detailed inspection and safety testing.

Final Tip: Treat the reset button as a warning indicator, not a solution. Address root causes promptly to keep the furnace safe and reliable.