Rheem Furnace Green Light Blinking 2 Times: Meaning and Fixes

The Rheem Furnace Green Light Blinking 2 Times signals a specific status or error code on many Rheem and Ruud gas furnaces. This article explains what the two-blink pattern means, step-by-step troubleshooting, safety precautions, common causes, repair options, and prevention tips to help homeowners diagnose and resolve the issue reliably.

LED Pattern	Typical Meaning	Suggested Action
Green Light Blink 2 Times	Pressure Switch Or Inducer/Exhaust Issue	Check venting, pressure switch, connections; reset power; call technician if unresolved

What The Two Green Blinks Mean

On many Rheem and Ruud furnaces, the control board uses the status LED to communicate system conditions. Two green blinks commonly indicate a problem tied to the combustion air system—often the pressure switch, inducer motor, or venting/exhaust blockage. It may also appear during certain safety lockouts or diagnostic states depending on the model.

Why Rheem Uses Blink Codes

Blink codes provide quick diagnostic insight without specialized tools. They let owners and technicians identify the subsystem that tripped a safety or sensed an abnormal condition. Reading the pattern and combining it with furnace behavior clarifies whether the issue is electrical, mechanical, or related to airflow/venting.

Safety First: Precautions Before Troubleshooting

Always prioritize safety. Turn off power and gas at the furnace before inspecting internal components. Avoid touching wiring or gas connections unless qualified. If any smell of gas exists, evacuate the home and call the gas company or emergency services.

Tools And Items To Have On Hand

• Multimeter for voltage and continuity checks
• Nut driver or screwdriver set for accessing panels
• Flashlight for visual inspections
• Vacuum and brush for cleaning dust and debris
• Manufacturer manual or model-specific diagnostic sheet

Step-By-Step Troubleshooting For Two Blinks

1. Observe Furnace Behavior

Note what the furnace is doing: whether the inducer motor runs briefly, whether there is repeated cycling, or whether the unit locks out after attempts to light. These behaviors help confirm the two-blink interpretation.

2. Check For Error Code Display Or Diagnostic LED Chart

Consult the unit’s data plate or manual. Some models show more detailed sequences including green and red LED combinations. Verify that two green blinks correspond to pressure/inducer issues for that exact model.

3. Inspect Venting And Exhaust

Look for visible blockages in intake and exhaust terminations such as debris, bird nests, ice, or snow. Ensure vent piping is secure and sloped correctly to prevent condensate pooling. Clear any obstructions.

4. Check The Pressure Switch And Tubing

Locate the rubber vacuum tubing between the inducer housing and the pressure switch. Ensure the tubing is connected, free of cracks, and not collapsed. A damaged or disconnected tube often causes two-blink errors.

5. Verify Inducer Motor Operation

With power on and thermostat calling for heat, watch whether the inducer motor starts. If it fails to start or stalls, the pressure switch won’t sense proper draft and will cause the error. Listen for unusual noises indicating worn bearings.

6. Test Pressure Switch With Multimeter

Using a multimeter set to continuity or ohms, test the pressure switch contacts. With the inducer running, the switch should show continuity when a proper vacuum is present. No continuity suggests a faulty switch or lack of inducer vacuum.

7. Inspect Condensate Drain (If Applicable)

For high-efficiency sealed combustion furnaces, a clogged condensate trap or drain can affect pressure readings. Clear any blockage and verify trap is properly seated.

8. Check Electrical Connections And Sensors

Loose connectors, corroded terminals, or damaged wiring can interrupt signals. Secure all harnesses and inspect for burn marks, breaks, or rodent damage.

Common Causes Of Two-Blind Blink Codes

• Blocked Venting: Debris, snow, or nesting material preventing proper exhaust or intake airflow.
• Faulty Pressure Switch: Mechanical failure or diaphragm leak within the switch.
• Failed Inducer Motor: Motor or capacitor wear preventing adequate draft.
• Damaged Tubing: Cracked or disconnected vacuum tubing from pressure switch to inducer housing.
• Condensate Issues: For condensing units, a blocked PVC condensate line or trap can affect operation.
• Control Board Or Wiring Fault: Faulty relay or sensor signal due to wiring or control board failure.

When To Reset Power And How To Do It Safely

A power reset can clear temporary faults. Turn off the furnace switch or disconnect the breaker for 30–60 seconds, then restore power. If the two-blink error returns immediately or after one attempt to run, further inspection is necessary. Avoid repeated hard resets as they mask underlying issues.

When To Call A Licensed HVAC Technician

Call a professional if any of the following occur: the inducer motor does not run, the pressure switch fails testing, there is a gas smell, you cannot safely access vents, or if the homeowner is uncomfortable with electrical or gas systems. A licensed technician can perform advanced tests, replace pressure switches, motor assemblies, or control boards, and verify safe combustion.

Repair Options And Typical Costs

Costs vary based on parts and labor. Typical ranges:

• Pressure switch replacement: $150–$350 including labor
• Inducer motor replacement: $300–$700 depending on model
• Control board replacement: $250–$600
• Venting repair or replacement: $150–$600+

Always obtain multiple quotes and ensure technicians are licensed and insured.

Model Variations And Manufacturer Notes

Different Rheem models and Ruud-branded units may use slightly different blink definitions. Some control boards also use a combination of green and red blinks. Always reference the specific model’s service manual or control board label to confirm the exact meaning.

Preventive Maintenance To Reduce Recurrence

Regular maintenance prevents many inducer and pressure switch issues. Recommended actions include annual professional inspections, keeping vent terminations clear, replacing air filters on schedule, and cleaning around the furnace to reduce dust buildup. For condensing units, ensure condensate drains are clear.

DIY Fixes Homeowners Can Safely Attempt

• Clear visible vent obstructions like leaves, nests, or snow.
• Inspect and reseat vacuum tubing if easily accessible and undamaged.
• Clean around the inducer housing and remove dust with a soft brush or vacuum.
• Reset power once to clear transient faults, then observe system behavior.

Signs That Indicate A More Serious Problem

If the furnace repeatedly locks out, emits strong odors, produces soot, or shows yellow burners (when burners should be blue), stop using the unit and call a technician. These signs may indicate combustion problems that affect safety and efficiency.

How Technicians Diagnose Two Blink Errors

Professional diagnosis includes verifying inducer current draw, measuring vacuum at the pressure switch, testing switch continuity, scanning control board inputs and outputs, and performing combustion analysis where applicable. Technicians also inspect vent system integrity and check for restrictive airflow upstream in the home.

Warranty And Replacement Considerations

Check the furnace’s warranty before replacing major components. Some parts may still be under manufacturer warranty, reducing repair costs. For older furnaces nearing end-of-life, compare repair costs to replacement value and consider energy efficiency and safety improvements with a new system.

Key Takeaways And Action Checklist

• Two green blinks typically point to a pressure switch, inducer, or venting problem.
• Perform visual vent and tubing checks and a single power reset first.
• Test the pressure switch and inducer motor with a multimeter if qualified to do so.
• Call a licensed HVAC technician for motor, switch, or control board replacement.
• Schedule annual maintenance to prevent recurrence.

Helpful Resources And Links

Refer to the furnace data plate, model-specific service manual, or the Rheem website for official diagnostic charts. Homeowners seeking parts should verify model numbers before purchasing. When in doubt, contact a local licensed HVAC professional or the manufacturer’s support line for guidance.

Note: This article provides general information and common diagnostic steps. Always follow manufacturer guidance and local codes when working on heating systems.