Saint Charles, IL Heating System Reset — HVAC Tips

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

Heater stopped working and you need to know how to reset your heating system fast? This guide shows simple, safe steps to reboot a furnace, boiler, or heat pump before you call for service. We cover the most common lockouts and thermostat issues, what to try first, and when to stop and call a pro. Bonus: a limited-time $69 precision tune-up can help prevent the next no-heat scare.

Safety First: When Not To Reset

Before you touch anything, think safety. If you smell gas, hear arcing, or see scorch marks, leave the home and call your utility and a professional. Do not attempt a reset if the breaker trips repeatedly or the unit floods with water. For boilers, do not open panels while hot. Nicor Gas and ComEd both advise treating repeated trips as an electrical hazard, not a nuisance. Your safety comes first.

• Smell gas or rotten egg odor: evacuate and call the utility emergency line.
• Breaker keeps tripping: stop and call a technician.
• Water near the furnace or boiler: shut power off and call a pro.

Two facts to keep in mind:

1. Summers PHC offers 24/7 emergency HVAC service across Glendale Heights.
2. Our maintenance plan includes two professional HVAC tune-ups per year, which reduces lockouts and surprise breakdowns.

Quick Wins: Thermostat and Power Cycle

Many no-heat calls start at the thermostat. Confirm the system is set to Heat, the fan setting is Auto, and the temperature is 3 to 5 degrees above room temperature. Replace batteries if your thermostat uses them.

Step-by-step:

1. Set the thermostat to Off.
2. Replace thermostat batteries if applicable.
3. Check the date and time on smart thermostats after a power outage.
4. Flip the furnace or air handler switch to Off. This looks like a light switch near the unit.
5. Turn the dedicated breaker Off for 60 seconds, then On.
6. Restore the unit switch to On and set the thermostat to Heat.

If heat returns, you likely cleared a minor control fault. If not, continue below by system type.

How To Reset a Gas Furnace Safely

Modern furnaces lock out after repeated ignition failures. A careful reset can clear the fault.

1. Turn the thermostat to Off.
2. Locate the furnace power switch and turn it Off. Wait 60 seconds.
3. Replace or clean the air filter. A clogged filter causes overheating and high-limit trips.
4. Inspect the condensate drain line. If the trap is full or the line is iced, gently thaw or clear it.
5. Turn the furnace power switch On, then set the thermostat to Heat.
6. Watch the ignition sequence through the viewport. You should see inducer start, pressure switch close, igniter glow or spark, gas valve open, and flame stabilize.

If the furnace cycles off in under a minute, a dirty flame sensor, weak igniter, or faulty pressure switch may be at fault. Do not keep cycling power if you smell gas or hear clicking without ignition.

Relighting a Standing-Pilot Furnace

Some older furnaces use a standing pilot. If the pilot is out:

1. Turn gas control to Off and wait 5 minutes to clear gas.
2. Set to Pilot. Press and hold the button while you light the pilot with a long lighter.
3. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, then release. If the pilot stays lit, turn to On.

If the pilot will not stay lit, the thermocouple may be bad. Do not continue attempts if you smell gas.

How To Reset a Heat Pump or Electric Air Handler

Heat pumps protect themselves by tripping on pressure or defrost errors. A simple reboot often helps.

1. Set thermostat to Off.
2. Turn the air handler switch Off and the outdoor unit disconnect Off if accessible and safe.
3. Wait 2 to 3 minutes. This allows control boards and pressure to equalize.
4. Restore power to outdoor unit, then air handler.
5. Set thermostat to Heat and observe operation for 10 minutes.

If the outdoor unit is iced over, let the defrost cycle run. Keep snow and leaves clear of the coil. In Glendale Heights winters, wind-driven snow can pack into the coil. Clearing space improves airflow.

Pro tune-up tasks that help prevent lockouts include:

• Removing dirt and debris from coils to keep airflow strong.
• Checking refrigerant levels and watching for leaks.
• Adjusting and testing the thermostat for accuracy.
• Reviewing wiring and electrical parts for safety.
• Lubricating moving components to prevent wear.
• Flushing the condensate drain to stop water buildup.
• Verifying the defrost cycle and reversing valve functions.
• Cleaning or changing air filters to improve indoor air quality.

How To Reset a Boiler After a Lockout

Many boilers have a reset button on the control panel. Only reset once after a power cycle.

1. Turn the boiler power switch Off for 60 seconds, then On.
2. Check system pressure on the gauge. Most residential boilers operate near 12 to 15 psi when cold. Do not add water unless you are familiar with the fill valve.
3. Press the Reset button once. If the unit locks out again, stop and call a professional.

During service, our technicians perform gas boiler leak detection and pressure evaluation. We test and calibrate control devices and timers and clean internal components like the heat exchanger to restore efficiency. Annual service agreements make this easy for busy homeowners.

Airflow, Filters, and Vents: The Hidden Reset

A tripped furnace limit switch will cut heat until the heat exchanger cools and the control resets. Poor airflow is the usual cause.

• Replace the filter. Use the correct size and orientation.
• Open at least 80 percent of supply registers.
• Clear return grilles of furniture and drapes.
• Inspect flexible duct runs for kinks.

After power cycling, give the system 10 minutes to stabilize. If the limit trips again, schedule service.

Condensate Safeties and Float Switches

High-efficiency furnaces and many air handlers have float switches. When the drain pan fills, the switch opens and heat stops.

• Check the drain pan under the indoor unit.
• Clear slime from the condensate trap.
• If you see a little device on the drain line with wires, that is likely a float switch. Resetting the system will not fix the root cause until the drain is clear.

When Your System Will Not Reset

Stop DIY and call if you see any of these:

1. Breaker trips again immediately.
2. Burnt wire smell or visible charring.
3. Repeated ignition failures with gas smell.
4. Outdoor heat pump runs but air is cold after 20 minutes.
5. Boiler pressure rises rapidly or relief valve drips.

Upfront pricing means you will see the cost before work starts. Our trucks are stocked to finish most repairs in one visit, so your home warms up fast.

Prevent The Next No-Heat With Pro Maintenance

Routine tune-ups catch the issues that cause lockouts and failed resets.

• Greater energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
• Improved airflow and consistent temperatures.
• Fewer unexpected repairs.
• Longer equipment lifespan.

Heat pumps work almost year-round, so schedule maintenance twice a year. Book a spring tune-up before summer and a fall tune-up before winter. Our membership includes two professional HVAC tune-ups every year, priority booking, and member discounts on parts and services.

Local Insight: Glendale Heights and Nearby Cities

DuPage winters can swing from lake-effect gusts to deep cold in a day. That means filters load up quickly and heat pumps work hard in defrost. If you live in Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, Lombard, or Wheaton, clear snow from outdoor units after storms and keep 2 feet of space around equipment. A 5-minute inspection after a snowfall can save a service call.

Step-by-Step Reset Checklist You Can Bookmark

1. Thermostat: Heat mode, new batteries, set 3 to 5 degrees higher.
2. Power: Switch Off at the unit, breaker Off 60 seconds, then On.
3. Filter: Replace or clean.
4. Condensate: Check pan and trap, clear if clogged.
5. Furnace: Watch ignition sequence. Stop if you smell gas.
6. Heat pump: Power cycle indoor and outdoor units and wait 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Boiler: Power cycle, confirm 12 to 15 psi cold, press Reset once.
8. If issues persist: Stop and call for professional service.

Why Summers PHC For Fast Heat Resets and Repairs

• 24/7 emergency HVAC response.
• Drug tested, licensed, and background checked technicians.
• Clear, upfront pricing and a Worry Free Guarantee.
• Price match promise and free second opinions.
• Maintenance plans with two tune-ups per year for dependable heat.

Homeowners across Glendale Heights, Schaumburg, and Downers Grove count on us for fast diagnostics and long-lasting repairs that prevent repeat lockouts.

Special Offer: $69 Precision Heating Tune-Up

Save with our $69 Precision Heating or AC Tune-Up with our No Break Down Guarantee. Present this offer at time of service. Expires 02/04/2026.

• Service: Precision Heating or AC Tune-Up
• Price: $69
• How to redeem: Present coupon at time of service when scheduling or at your appointment.

A precision tune-up clears faults, verifies safety controls, and restores efficiency so your system is less likely to lock out on the coldest night.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Outstanding Furnace Repair Service! He diagnosed the problem quickly, explained everything in simple terms, and had my heat running perfectly again in no time. The price was fair and the quality excellent." –Heating Repair Customer, Glendale Heights

"I was impressed with their professionalism and efficiency. The technician arrived on time, explained the issue and options, worked carefully, and ensured everything was running smoothly before leaving. Pricing was fair with no surprise charges." –Heating Customer, DuPage County

"He was so thorough and explained everything. Summers has definitely earned a 5 out of 5 on servicing my furnace, air conditioner and humidifier. I would recommend them to anyone." –Furnace Maintenance Customer, Wheaton

"He came by to do some maintenance on my furnace and got everything running great. Super friendly, on time, and explained things really well. Definitely recommend." –Furnace Tune-Up Customer, Lombard

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait after turning my furnace off before resetting it?

Wait at least 60 seconds with power off at the switch or breaker so controls fully discharge and sensors reset.

Is it safe to press the reset button on my boiler more than once?

No. Press it once after a power cycle. Repeated resets can mask a serious fault and may be unsafe.

Why does my heat pump blow cool air during a reset or in winter?

During defrost, the system can feel cool for a few minutes. This is normal. If it lasts over 20 minutes, call a pro.

Will a dirty filter really stop heat?

Yes. Restricted airflow overheats furnaces and trips safety limits. Replace filters every 1 to 3 months.

What if my breaker keeps tripping when I try to reset?

Stop and call for service. A tripping breaker signals electrical or motor faults that need a licensed technician.

Wrap-Up

Now you know how to reset your heating system safely and when to call a professional. If your heater stopped working in Glendale Heights or nearby, we can help fast. Our team restores heat and prevents repeat lockouts with tune-ups and honest repairs.

Call To Action

Call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling at (331) 294-8710 or schedule at https://summersphc.com/glendale-heights/. Mention the $69 Precision Heating Tune-Up before 02/04/2026 to save and get our No Break Down Guarantee.

Ready to get warm again today? Call (331) 294-8710 or book online at https://summersphc.com/glendale-heights/. Ask about the $69 tune-up for fast, preventive care across Glendale Heights, Wheaton, Lombard, and Elmhurst.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Locally owned and serving DuPage County for decades, Summers PHC delivers licensed, insured HVAC pros who are drug tested and background checked. We provide clear, upfront pricing and a Worry Free Guarantee. Our trucks arrive fully stocked for fast fixes and we offer free second opinions and flexible financing. Get priority service and discounts with our maintenance plan. Available 24/7 for emergencies across Glendale Heights and nearby communities.