Lennox EL296UHV Error Code E 229: Ignition on High Fire
What Does Code E 229 Mean?
Despite the "E" prefix, E229 on the Lennox EL296UHV is an INFORMATION-ONLY code, not a fault. It records that the furnace lit on high fire rather than the usual low-fire startup, and the furnace continues to operate. The SureLight integrated control logs it so a technician can see why a high-fire light-off happened.
Two normal situations trigger it. First, if the low pressure switch does not close at the normal inducer speed, the control automatically switches the inducer to high speed to close BOTH the low and high pressure switches, then lights the burners on high fire. This is a built-in fallback that keeps the furnace running. Second, when continuous-fan mode is active, the furnace lights on high fire for about 60 seconds to warm the heat exchanger faster before stepping down.
On its own, E229 needs no action. It only becomes meaningful if it appears alongside the pressure-switch error codes E223, E227, or E271, which describe actual pressure-switch and draft problems. That combination would point to a venting or draft restriction worth having a technician check.
What You'll Notice
- The display briefly shows E229 while the furnace lights and runs; the burners fire and heat is produced normally.
- The furnace may start on high fire (a fuller flame and higher airflow) rather than a gentle low-fire start, which is common in continuous-fan mode.
How This Is Diagnosed
E229 by itself confirms the furnace chose high-fire ignition on purpose, so seeing it with otherwise normal heating means no action is needed. To tell whether it matters, check for pressure-switch codes such as E223, E227, or E271 at the same time; those, not E229, would indicate a real draft or venting problem.
- E229 shows on every heating cycle together with a pressure-switch code such as E223, E227, or E271, which points to a venting or draft restriction.
- The furnace repeatedly lights on high fire because the low pressure switch will not close at normal inducer speed, even when continuous fan is not selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E229 an error I need to fix?
No. E229 is information only. It records that the furnace ignited on high fire, which the control does on purpose, and the furnace keeps running normally.
Why did my furnace start on high fire?
Either continuous-fan mode was active, so it lit on high fire briefly to warm the heat exchanger faster, or the low pressure switch did not close at normal speed and the control raised the inducer to high to close both switches.
When should I be concerned about E229?
Only if it appears alongside pressure-switch codes like E223, E227, or E271. That pairing suggests a venting or draft issue worth having checked; E229 on its own does not.
✓ Verified against manufacturer service manual — March 2026