Ruud Furnace Reset Button: Location, Use, Troubleshooting, and Safety

The Ruud furnace reset button is a small but important control used to restart a locked-out or tripped furnace safely. This guide explains where to find the reset button, when and how to use it, common causes of trips, diagnostic steps, safety precautions, and when to call a professional. Homeowners and HVAC technicians will find practical, accurate instructions for handling Ruud furnace reset scenarios.

Topic	Quick Answer
Where Is The Reset Button?	On older Ruud furnaces near the gas valve or blower housing; newer models use electronic controls and may not have a manual reset.
When To Reset	Only after verifying power, gas supply, and that there are no safety hazards; limit to one reset attempt.
Common Causes For Trips	Flame rollout, overheating, blocked venting, ignition failure, pressure switch or limit switch faults.
When To Call A Pro	If the furnace trips again after reset, if there is a gas smell, or if the root cause is unknown.

What Is The Ruud Furnace Reset Button?

The Ruud furnace reset button is a manual safety feature found on many older Ruud gas furnaces and packaged units. It is typically a small, red or black push-button that resets internal safety circuits after a lockout caused by overheating, ignition failure, or a safety device activation.

Important: Newer Ruud models often use electronic control boards with no manual reset button; they rely on built-in diagnostics and automatic lockout timers.

Where To Find The Reset Button On A Ruud Furnace

The reset button location varies by model. On many older indoor furnaces the reset button is located on or near the gas valve, blower compartment, or on the control panel behind an access panel. On packaged rooftop units the reset may be on the burner access panel or near the control box.

Typical places to check: behind the lower front panel, adjacent to the gas valve, or on the blower housing near the limit switch. Consult the furnace’s user manual for an exact location when possible.

When It Is Appropriate To Use The Reset Button

Resetting a Ruud furnace is appropriate only after confirming basic conditions: the thermostat calls for heat, the furnace has power, the gas supply is on, and there is no noticeable gas odor. Attempt one reset after addressing obvious problems. Repeated resets without diagnosing the cause are unsafe and can worsen damage.

Safe reasons to reset include a one-time ignition failure, temporary power surge, or an accidental trip due to short-lived overheating resolved by clearing airflow.

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

1. Turn Off Thermostat: Set the thermostat to OFF to stop calls for heat.

2. Power Down Furnace: Switch the furnace power switch to OFF or turn off the circuit breaker controlling the furnace for at least 60 seconds.

3. Check For Gas Odor: If gas is detected, do not reset. Evacuate, call the gas company or 911.

4. Inspect Basic Components: Verify the furnace filter is clean, the venting/air intake is not blocked, and the pilot (if present) looks normal.

5. Press The Reset Button: Locate and press the reset button firmly for 5 seconds or per manufacturer guidance; release and allow the furnace to attempt ignition.

6. Restore Power And Thermostat: Turn the power back on and set the thermostat to call for heat.

7. Observe The Furnace: Watch the ignition sequence for normal operation. If the furnace ignites and runs normally, monitor for recurrence. If it locks out again, do not repeatedly press reset.

Troubleshooting: Why The Ruud Furnace Tripped

Common causes of trips include flame rollout, blocked or restricted venting, clogged filters or return air, failed pressure switches, faulty limit switches, ignition or flame sensor issues, and insufficient combustion air. Power surges and thermostat wiring problems can also cause lockouts.

Additional diagnostic checks: check the condensate trap and drain on high-efficiency models for clogs, confirm the inducer motor runs, and inspect the flame sensor for soot or corrosion.

Diagnosing Specific Faults And What To Do

Flame Rollout Or Overheating

Symptoms: strong heat, scorching smell, or visible flame where not expected. Action: Turn off the furnace, do not reset, call an HVAC technician. Flame rollout indicates heat exchanger or venting problem and can be hazardous.

Pressure Switch Or Inducer Problems

Symptoms: inducer motor runs but system won’t light; error codes on control board. Action: Check vent blockage, vacuum lines to pressure switch, and inducer motor operation. Replace defective pressure switch or inducer motor as needed.

Ignition Failure Or Faulty Flame Sensor

Symptoms: repeated ignition attempts then lockout. Action: Clean the flame sensor with fine emery cloth, ensure proper ground, and check electrode condition. Replace sensor if cleaning does not help.

Limit Switch Trips (Overheat)

Symptoms: blower may run continuously, furnace cycles off on heat. Action: Replace dirty filters, ensure proper airflow, and replace failed limit switch if necessary. Limit switch trips can indicate restricted return air or failing blower motor.

Gas Valve Or Control Board Faults

Symptoms: no sparks or gas flow even when other systems operate. Action: Do not attempt complex repairs unless qualified. An HVAC technician should test gas valve voltage and control board outputs and replace components as needed.

Indicator Lights And Error Codes

Many Ruud control boards have LED indicators or diagnostic codes. When present, these LEDs flash patterns that correspond to faults like pressure switch, flame failure, or limit trips. Consult the model’s service manual for the code table.

Tip: Record the LED flash pattern before resetting. It helps technicians diagnose intermittent faults later.

Safety Precautions And Best Practices

Never repeatedly press the Ruud furnace reset button more than one time without troubleshooting. Repeated resets can create unsafe conditions or mask serious problems.

If there is any gas smell, immediately turn off the gas supply, do not operate electrical switches or the furnace, exit the building, and call the gas company or emergency services.

Maintenance To Reduce Trips And Resets

Regular maintenance reduces the need to use the reset button. Recommended tasks: replace or clean filters every 1–3 months, keep vents and returns clear, schedule annual HVAC tune-ups, inspect flue and venting for obstructions, and clean the flame sensor and burners as part of seasonal service.

Preventive action: Installing carbon monoxide detectors and scheduling combustion safety checks improves safety for gas furnace systems.

When To Replace The Reset Button Or Control Components

If the reset button is physically damaged, sticky, or nonfunctional, it may be replaced by a qualified technician. On many newer Ruud furnaces, the reset function is integrated into the electronic control board, requiring board replacement when faulty.

Replacement should follow manufacturer specifications and local codes. Replacing controls without diagnosing root causes can lead to recurring trips.

Cost Considerations For Repairs And Service

Simple maintenance like cleaning the flame sensor or replacing filters is low cost and often DIY-friendly. Diagnostic visits for intermittent trips typically cost for a service call plus labor and parts, ranging widely by region. Major repairs such as replacing the control board or heat exchanger are more expensive and may justify replacement of an aging furnace.

Always get a written estimate and verify technician credentials before approving work that involves gas or major components.

How To Know When To Call An HVAC Professional

Contact a licensed HVAC technician when the furnace trips repeatedly after a reset, when diagnostics point to flame rollout, heat exchanger cracks, gas valve or control board faults, or when the homeowner is uncomfortable performing basic checks.

Emergency situations: persistent gas smell, visible flame where not expected, or suspected carbon monoxide exposure require immediate professional intervention and emergency services if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is It Safe To Press The Ruud Furnace Reset Button?

Pressing the reset button once after verifying basic safety conditions is generally safe. Repeated resets without diagnosing the issue are not safe and are discouraged.

Why Did My Ruud Furnace Trip After A Power Outage?

Power outages can interrupt control board memory or safety circuits, causing lockouts upon restoration. A single reset may clear the lockout if there are no underlying faults.

What If My Furnace Has No Reset Button?

Many modern Ruud furnaces use electronic controls without a manual reset. They use automatic retries and diagnostic codes. Consult the manual and check the control board LEDs for fault information.

How Long Should I Wait Before Resetting?

Power down the unit for at least 60 seconds before resetting to allow capacitors and relays to discharge and the control board to fully reset.

Useful Resources And Documentation

Owners should consult the specific Ruud furnace model manual for exact reset procedures, LED code charts, and parts identification. Manufacturer websites, licensed HVAC technicians, and local utility safety advisors provide reliable guidance for troubleshooting and repairs.

Ruud Official Site lists manuals and customer support. Local utility or gas company safety pages offer guidance on gas leaks and emergency protocols.

Key Takeaways

Use the Ruud furnace reset button sparingly. Perform basic safety checks before resetting and observe the furnace closely for recurrence. For repeated trips, flame rollout, gas odors, or complex electronic faults, call a qualified HVAC technician. Routine maintenance significantly reduces trips and improves safety.