Comfortmaker Furnace Reset Button Guide and Troubleshooting

The Comfortmaker furnace reset button is a simple safety feature used to restart a furnace after certain faults. This guide explains where the button is located, how to use it safely, common reasons for trips, diagnostic steps, and when to contact a professional. It is written for U.S. homeowners seeking reliable, actionable information about Comfortmaker gas furnaces.

Topic	Quick Info
Reset Button Purpose	Restart after safety lockouts or flame rollout
Typical Location	On the burner access panel or furnace control box
How To Reset	Turn off power/gas, wait, press/reset per manual
Common Triggers	Ignition failure, limit switch trip, blocked vent

What The Comfortmaker Furnace Reset Button Does

The reset button acts as a manual override to clear some safety lockouts triggered by the furnace’s control system. It does not bypass critical safety devices but tells the control to attempt a new start cycle after a fault condition has been resolved or checked.

Key Point: Pressing the reset button without diagnosing the root cause can temporarily restart the furnace, but recurring trips indicate a problem that requires troubleshooting.

Where To Find The Reset Button

On many Comfortmaker furnace models the reset button is mounted on the burner assembly, the gas valve, or the main control box. It is often a small, recessed button colored red or black, sometimes labeled RESET. Consult the furnace model label or the owner’s manual for the exact location.

If the button is not visible behind the front access panel, the reset may be integrated within the control module and accessed only by service personnel. Never remove panels without turning off power.

Safety Precautions Before Pressing Reset

Always follow these safety steps before pressing the reset button: turn off electrical power at the service switch or breaker, shut off the gas supply if recommended in the manual, and wait at least five minutes to allow gas vapors to dissipate and the control to fully reset.

Wearing safety gloves and eye protection is advisable. If a strong smell of gas is present, evacuate the home and call the gas company or emergency services before attempting any reset.

Step-By-Step Reset Procedure

This general procedure fits many Comfortmaker gas furnaces, but the owner’s manual for the exact model should be followed when available.

1. Turn off the thermostat and set to OFF.
2. Switch off power at the furnace service switch or circuit breaker.
3. Wait 5–10 minutes to ensure all components de-energize and any residual gas disperses.
4. Locate the reset button on the burner assembly or control box.
5. Press and release the reset button once. Do not hold it down for extended periods.
6. Restore power and set thermostat to desired temperature.
7. Monitor the furnace for normal ignition and operation. If it trips again, stop and troubleshoot.

Important: Pressing the reset button more than once or repeatedly can flood the combustion chamber with unburned gas and create a hazard. If the furnace fails to ignite after a single reset, do not attempt multiple resets.

Common Reasons The Reset Button Trips

Understanding common causes helps avoid unnecessary resets and improves safety. Typical triggers include blocked vents or flues, dirty burners, failed ignitors, flame rollout due to blocked heat exchanger, limit switch trips from overheating, and pressure switch failures. Short cycling and electrical issues also cause trips.

Tip: Recurrent trips often point to mechanical issues or safety sensor failures that need professional diagnosis.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps After Reset

After performing a single reset, follow these diagnostics if the furnace does not run properly or trips again.

• Check venting and flue for obstructions, bird nests, or debris.
• Inspect the air filter and replace if dirty; restricted airflow can cause overheating.
• Confirm thermostat settings and batteries (if applicable).
• Look for error codes or LED flashing on the control board and reference the manual for meanings.
• Examine the ignition system: hot surface ignitor or spark electrodes may be cracked or weak.
• Verify blower motor operation and ensure adequate condensate drainage on high-efficiency models.

If simple fixes like replacing a filter or clearing a vent do not resolve the issue, schedule a service call.

Understanding Control Board Codes And LEDs

Modern Comfortmaker furnaces use LED diagnostic codes to indicate faults. The code pattern—steady light or flash sequence—identifies issues such as pressure switch failure, flame loss, limit switch trip, or communication faults on variable-speed models.

Consult the furnace’s wiring diagram or the service manual for the exact code definitions. Recording the LED pattern before pressing reset helps a technician diagnose intermittent problems faster.

When Not To Press The Reset Button

Do not press the reset button if there is a strong odor of natural gas or propane, or if evidence of flame rollout (soot or scorch marks) exists. In those cases, evacuate and call emergency services or the gas utility.

Also avoid repeated resets more than once or twice. Multiple attempts can saturate the burner area with gas and increase the risk of ignition-related hazards.

Maintenance To Prevent Reset Trips

Regular maintenance reduces the frequency of lockouts. Recommended tasks include annual professional tune-ups, replacing air filters every 1–3 months, keeping vents and returns clear, and ensuring proper combustion air openings for basement or closet installations.

Annual Service Checklist: inspect burners, clean flame sensor and ignitor, test safety switches, check combustion efficiency, and verify venting integrity.

Compatibility And Model Variations

Comfortmaker furnaces include different product lines and control designs. Older models may have a mechanical reset on the gas valve, while newer units use electronic control boards with remote reset logic. The procedure and location vary by model and serial number.

Always reference the model/serial sticker on the furnace and the official Comfortmaker or brand-owner (International Comfort Products) documentation for model-specific instructions.

When To Call A Professional

A qualified HVAC technician should be contacted when the furnace: trips repeatedly after a single reset, shows flame rollout signs, emits gas odors, has electrical burning smells, or when control board codes indicate complex sensor, pressure, or gas valve issues.

Technicians have the tools to test gas pressure, verify combustion, measure safety switch operation, and replace components safely. For warranty concerns, using authorized service maintains coverage.

Common Parts That Cause Reset Trips

Frequently failing parts that lead to safety lockouts include the hot surface ignitor, flame sensor, pressure switch, gas valve, limit switch, and control board. Age, wear, and lack of maintenance accelerate failure.

Replacing these parts typically resolves recurring trips, but proper diagnosis ensures the replacement addresses the root cause rather than a symptom.

Costs And Expectations For Repair

Repair costs vary: simple items like filters or flame sensor cleaning are low-cost, while parts such as ignitors or pressure switches are moderate, and control board or gas valve replacements are more expensive. Labor and regional rates affect the total.

Request an itemized estimate and ask about warranty on parts and labor. Preventive maintenance contracts often reduce long-term costs and unexpected breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Times Can A Comfortmaker Furnace Be Reset?

One reset is generally recommended per incident. Repeated resets indicate an unresolved fault and create safety risks; call a technician if a second reset is required.

Is The Reset Button The Same As The Power Switch?

No. The reset button is a fault clear or restart mechanism for the gas/combustion system. The power switch or breaker controls electrical supply to the furnace and should be turned off before pressing reset.

Can A Homeowner Replace A Faulty Ignitor?

Some homeowners with mechanical skills can replace an ignitor, but the component is fragile and requires correct alignment and handling. Hiring an HVAC technician is safer and ensures proper calibration and testing.

Documentation And Resources

For model-specific instructions, consult the Comfortmaker owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s technical literature. Official resources include installation manuals, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic code charts available from the manufacturer or authorized dealers.

Manufacturer Support And Manuals is a starting point for locating documentation and authorized service contacts.

Summary Checklist Before Pressing Reset

• Ensure no gas smell; evacuate if present.
• Turn off power and wait 5–10 minutes.
• Locate reset button per manual.
• Press once and restore power, then monitor operation.
• If it trips again, stop and diagnose or call a technician.

Following these steps and understanding why a Comfortmaker furnace trips will help homeowners respond safely and reduce the chance of recurring issues. Proper maintenance and timely professional service are the most effective ways to keep a furnace reliable and safe.