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Where Is The Reset Button On A Intertherm Furnace?

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Last updated on 5 min read

The reset button on an Intertherm furnace is usually located on the side of the blower motor inside the blower compartment

Where is the furnace reset button?

You’ll find it inside the blower compartment, typically near the blower motor

Look for a small red or yellow button—sometimes it’s recessed or covered. Most systems tuck it on the control board or right on the blower motor housing. (Safety first: flip the circuit breaker before you even think about opening that compartment.) If you’re staring at your furnace wondering where it is, check the manual or the manufacturer’s website for a diagram. Honestly, that’s what it’s there for.

Does an electric furnace have a reset button?

Yep, electric furnaces have reset buttons just like gas ones do

They’re tucked inside the blower housing as a safety net against overheating or electrical gremlins. After power comes back on, you’ll need to press it to get the unit running again. If it keeps tripping, don’t just keep resetting it—you might have a clogged filter, blocked airflow, or a blower motor on its last legs. Regular filter changes save you from a lot of headaches down the road.

How do you reset a furnace after overheating?

First, kill the power at the breaker. Wait 10–15 minutes. Then press the reset button if it’s popped out, and turn the power back on

  1. Drop the thermostat to its lowest setting so it doesn’t immediately try to restart.
  2. Head to your electrical panel and flip off the furnace’s breaker.
  3. Give it 10–15 minutes to let everything cool down.
  4. Open the blower compartment and look for the reset button—press it firmly if it’s sticking out.
  5. Flip the breaker back on and test the system.

If it keeps overheating, check the filter, vents, and ducts for blockages. Something’s wrong if it happens more than once. That’s when you call in a pro.

What would cause a furnace not to kick on?

A tripped breaker, wonky thermostat, dirty filter, or closed gas valve are the usual suspects

Start with the thermostat—make sure it’s set to “heat” and the temperature’s above where you’re sitting right now. Then check the breaker; if it’s flipped, reset it. A clogged filter? Swap it out. For gas models, peek at the gas valve to confirm it’s open. Still nothing? The pilot light, ignition system, or control board might be the culprit.

How do you reset a furnace control board?

Flip the breaker off, wait 10–30 seconds, then turn it back on

  1. Find the furnace’s power switch or kill the juice at the breaker.
  2. Wait 10–30 seconds for any leftover power to drain away.
  3. Flip the power back on and watch for signs of life.

If the board stays dead or the furnace still won’t start, it’s likely toast and needs replacing. Don’t poke around too much—consult the manual or call a technician before you make things worse.

Why would my electric heat not work?

Blame a thermostat set wrong, a filthy filter, blocked ducts, or a broken heating element

First, confirm the thermostat’s actually set to “heat” and cranked up higher than your current room temp. Swap out that dirty filter—restricted airflow can trigger shutdowns. Check your ducts for kinks or gaps that choke off heat delivery. If the system runs but barely puts out warmth, the heating elements or blower motor might need a pro’s touch.

How do I reset my central heating system?

Find the reset button on the boiler or furnace control panel and press it

Not every system works the same—some want a quick tap, others need you to hold it for 5–10 seconds. Your manual will tell you which one you’ve got. If the button’s nowhere to be found, a hard reset via the breaker might do the trick. Once you’ve reset it, keep an ear out for weird noises and watch how it behaves.

Should I hit the reset button on my furnace?

Go ahead if the furnace shut down from overheating or a minor electrical hiccup

The reset button’s there to protect your home and your furnace. Press it after you’ve fixed whatever triggered the shutdown—like swapping a filter or restoring power—and the system should restart safely. But if it keeps popping out, don’t keep jamming it. That’s your furnace screaming for help, whether it’s a failing limit switch, terrible airflow, or a thermostat gone rogue. Call an HVAC tech if it happens more than once.

How do I get my furnace to kick on?

Set the thermostat higher than the room temp and make sure power’s restored

Start with the thermostat—set it to “heat” and bump the temp at least 5°F above where you’re sitting. Check the breaker and power switch to confirm the furnace has juice. If the blower panel’s open or the filter’s dirty, close it up and swap the filter. Give it a minute or two; furnaces don’t always fire up instantly.

What to check if your furnace isn’t working?

Start with the air filter, thermostat settings, circuit breaker, blower panel, ductwork, and gas valve (if you’ve got gas)

  1. Replace a clogged filter—your airflow depends on it.
  2. Double-check the thermostat’s set to “heat” and the temp’s higher than the room.
  3. Inspect the circuit breaker; reset it if it’s tripped.
  4. Make sure the blower motor panel’s fully closed.
  5. Look for duct blockages or disconnections.
  6. For gas furnaces, verify the gas valve’s open.

If everything checks out and the furnace still stays silent, the pilot light, ignition system, or control board could be the problem.

Will a bad thermostat cause the furnace not to work?

A broken thermostat can absolutely keep your furnace from turning on or heating properly

It might not send the right signal, leaving your furnace off or running in fits and starts. You might notice it ignoring temperature changes, cycling too fast, or blowing cold air. Before you buy a new one, check the settings, batteries (if it has them), and wiring. Still acting up? A programmable or smart thermostat could be a worthwhile upgrade.

How long does it take for furnace to reset?

Plan on 5 to 10 minutes total—power cycling plus the cooldown wait

Flip the breaker, wait 1–2 minutes for the system to reset, press the button if needed, then restore power. Some furnaces drag their feet if they’re in a safety lockout after a fault. Don’t rush it—let the system finish resetting before you try to restart it.

Edited and fact-checked by the TechFactsHub editorial team.
Sarah Kim

Sarah Kim is a home repair specialist and certified home inspector who's been fixing things since she helped her dad rewire the family garage at 14. She writes practical DIY guides and isn't afraid to tell you when a job needs a licensed professional.