The Armstrong Air furnace reset button helps restore normal operation after a system lockout due to safety trips or electrical issues. This guide explains where the reset button is located, why it trips, step-by-step reset procedures, troubleshooting tips, safety precautions, and when to contact a qualified HVAC technician. It emphasizes safe, correct use to prevent damage and repeated failures.
| Issue | Quick Action |
|---|---|
| Temporary Lockout (single trip) | Power off 5 minutes, press reset once, monitor |
| Repeated Trips | Inspect filter, vents, flame sensor, call tech if persists |
| No Power | Check breaker, furnace switch, wiring |
What The Armstrong Air Furnace Reset Button Does
The Armstrong Air furnace reset button is a manual safety override built into many furnace control systems to clear a fault condition or safety lockout. Pressing the reset will attempt to restart the burner sequence after the underlying trip condition is removed. It is not a substitute for fixing the root cause.
Where To Find The Reset Button On Armstrong Furnaces
The reset button location varies by model but is commonly found near the control board inside the furnace cabinet or on an external access panel. Models with an integrated gas valve or rollout switch may have separate reset points. Consult the furnace’s user manual for the exact location.
Common Locations
- On or near the control board behind the service panel
- On the gas valve assembly (small red or yellow button)
- On the draft inducer or pressure switch assembly in some units
Why The Reset Button Trips: Typical Causes
Reset trips indicate a safety or operational fault. Common causes include: blocked vents, dirty air filters, failed flame sensor, ignition problems, flame rollout, overheating due to restricted airflow, faulty limit switch, pressure switch issues, or electrical supply problems.
Detailed Causes
- Restricted Airflow: Dirty filter, closed vents, or clogged return ducts cause overheating and limit switch trips.
- Ignition Or Flame Sense Faults: A weak spark, dirty flame sensor, or pilot issues prevent reliable ignition and cause lockouts.
- Rollout Or Flame Rollout: Burners produce combustion gases outside the heat exchanger due to blockage — a severe safety issue.
- Draft Or Pressure Switch Failures: Blocked vent pipes or a failing inducer motor can trigger safety switches.
- Electrical Problems: Loose wiring, a tripped breaker, or control board failures may appear as a reset requirement.
Step-By-Step: How To Reset An Armstrong Air Furnace Safely
Resetting should be performed carefully and only after preliminary checks. If the furnace has tripped repeatedly, do not repeatedly press reset; this risks damage and safety hazards.
Preparation And Safety
- Turn off the thermostat or set to off.
- Switch off the furnace power at the service switch near the unit and at the circuit breaker.
- Wait at least 5 minutes to allow control boards and sensors to clear and capacitors to discharge.
- Perform a brief visual check for obvious issues: smell of gas, burned wiring, or visible flame rollout before restoring power.
Reset Procedure
- Restore power at the breaker and service switch after waiting.
- Locate the reset button on the control board, gas valve, or rollout switch.
- Press the reset button once and hold for 1–3 seconds if required; release and allow the furnace to begin its start sequence.
- Set the thermostat to call for heat and observe the sequence: inducer motor, ignition, flame establishment, and burner operation.
- If the furnace runs normally, monitor for several cycles. If it trips again, turn off the system and proceed to troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting If Reset Fails Or Furnace Trips Again
Repeated trips or failure to restart indicate an unresolved problem. Safe diagnostics can identify many issues, but some require professional service.
Checklist For Homeowner Diagnostics
- Inspect and replace the air filter if dirty.
- Ensure supply and return vents are open and unobstructed.
- Check the venting and flue for bird nests, debris, or ice.
- Look for error codes or LED flashing patterns on the control board and consult the manual.
- Verify that the thermostat is set correctly and that batteries are fresh.
- Check electrical connections and the furnace breaker for tripping.
When The Issue Is Likely Professional-Level
- Evidence of flame rollout or combustion smells.
- Repeated trips after proper filter and vent checks.
- Visible corrosion, damaged control board, or wiring issues.
- Pressure switch, inducer motor, gas valve, or sealed combustion component failures.
Control Board Lights And Error Codes
Armstrong furnaces often use an LED on the control board to flash fault codes. These codes reveal ignition failure, pressure switch faults, flame loss, or limit trips. Consult the model-specific manual or the label inside the access panel to decode LED flash patterns.
Preventive Maintenance To Minimize Reset Trips
Regular maintenance reduces reset events and prolongs furnace lifespan. Key maintenance items include annual professional tune-ups and simple homeowner tasks performed seasonally.
Recommended Maintenance Tasks
- Replace or clean filters every 1–3 months depending on use.
- Keep returns and supply vents clean and unobstructed.
- Schedule an annual HVAC inspection and combustion analysis with a licensed technician.
- Clear exterior vents, intake screens, and condensate drains.
- Inspect heat exchanger and burner compartment for signs of corrosion or damage during service visits.
Safety Precautions And Warnings
Resetting a furnace can expose a person to electrical and combustion risks. Never press the reset button more than once or twice without diagnosing the cause. Repeated resets can flood the combustion chamber with unburned gas, creating an explosion hazard.
Critical Safety Steps
- If there is a smell of gas, evacuate the home and call the gas company and emergency services.
- Avoid working on the gas valve, burners, or control board unless certified to do so.
- Turn off power before removing panels or touching wiring.
Common Questions About The Armstrong Air Furnace Reset Button
Is It Normal For The Reset Button To Trip A Few Times A Season?
Occasional trips can occur during harsh weather or after power surges, but frequent trips indicate an underlying problem that needs inspection and repair.
How Many Times Can One Press The Reset Button?
Manufacturers recommend pressing the reset button once. If the furnace does not restart, wait and investigate rather than repeating resets, which can be dangerous and may damage components.
Does Resetting Void Warranty?
Using the reset button according to the manual does not void the warranty. However, damage from improper use or unauthorized repairs may not be covered, so refer to the warranty terms and use licensed contractors for repairs.
When To Call A Professional HVAC Technician
A professional should be called when the problem involves flame rollout, persistent trips, electrical component failure, suspected heat exchanger cracks, gas valve or ignition system failures, or when the homeowner is uncomfortable performing diagnostics.
Choose A Technician Who Can
- Perform a combustion analysis and heat exchanger inspection.
- Read control board fault codes and interpret LED flash patterns.
- Test and replace sensors, pressure switches, and safety components.
- Verify safe operation of the gas train and venting system.
Replacement Parts And Documentation
When ordering parts for an Armstrong Air furnace, use the model and serial number from the unit data plate. Common replacement parts include flame sensors, limit switches, pressure switches, control boards, and gas valves. OEM parts ensure compatibility and safety.
Summary Of Best Practices For Resetting An Armstrong Air Furnace
Key points: locate the reset per manual, power off and wait before resetting, perform airflow and filter checks first, avoid repeated resets, understand control board error codes, and call a licensed technician for persistent or safety-related faults.
Helpful Resources
- Armstrong Air Official Website — Product manuals and support.
- Inspection Guidelines — Safety and inspection best practices for HVAC professionals.
- Energy Star — Tips to maintain efficiency and safe operation.
This article is intended to provide practical guidance on the Armstrong Air furnace reset button and safe troubleshooting. For model-specific instructions, consult the furnace manual or contact a qualified HVAC service provider.