Gary, IN Heating System Reset Tips — HVAC Help

Estimated Read Time: 12 minutes

When the heat cuts out on a freezing Northwest Indiana night, you need a fast, safe fix. This guide shows you how to reset your heating system step-by-step, including what to check first, how to use the reset features, and when to call for help. If you searched how to reset your heating system, you are in the right place. Keep reading for quick wins and a pro plan if a reset does not hold.

Safety First: Before Any Reset

A reset is not a magic fix. It is a controlled reboot after you correct the underlying cause. Take a minute to make conditions safe.

1. Confirm fuel and power.
2. • Gas valve at the appliance should be in the ON position.
   • Oil tank or propane level should be adequate.
   • Breakers for furnace, boiler, air handler, and outdoor unit should be ON.
2. Smell test for gas. If you smell gas, evacuate and call your utility. Do not reset.
3. Clear the area. Remove stored items from around the furnace or boiler for proper airflow.
4. Check the thermostat. Replace batteries if needed and set to Heat, Fan Auto, and a temperature at least 5 degrees above room temp.

Why this matters: many units lock out because of airflow, fuel, or electrical faults. Fixing the cause first helps the reset work and stay fixed.

"Our technician then inspects your system, runs diagnostic tests, and explains what’s really going on… All repairs use high-quality parts to ensure long-lasting solutions."

Quick Checks That Solve Most “No Heat” Calls

Before you press any reset button, these simple checks resolve a surprising number of outages.

1. Air filter: Replace a clogged filter. A starved blower or high limit trip will often lock out heat.
2. Vents and registers: Open at least 80 percent of supply registers. Do not block return grilles.
3. Condensate line: High-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps trip if the drain is clogged. Clear the trap and tubing.
4. Outdoor unit for heat pumps: Clear snow, leaves, or ice from the coil and fan guard. Keep two feet of clearance.
5. Boiler pressure: For hydronic systems, normal cold pressure is often 12 to 15 psi. Low pressure can prevent firing. If pressure is low, call a pro to find the cause.
6. Flame sensor or igniter visible dirt: Do not sand or scrape. Note the issue and proceed to reset, then schedule service.

Local tip: lake-effect snow can pack against heat pump outdoor coils or vent terminations. Clear drifts from sidewall vents so the furnace can breathe.

How To Reset a Gas Furnace Safely

Many modern gas furnaces will automatically retry ignition, then lock out to protect components. Here is a safe reset sequence.

1. Set the thermostat to Off.
2. Turn the furnace power switch Off. This looks like a light switch near the unit.
3. Wait 60 seconds. This allows the internal board to fully power down.
4. While waiting, verify the front panel door is seated and the blower compartment switch is depressed.
5. Turn the furnace power switch On.
6. Set the thermostat to Heat and call for temperature at least 5 degrees above room.
7. Observe. You should hear the inducer motor, then ignition sequence, then blower.

If the furnace has a dedicated reset button, press it once only after power is restored. Never press repeatedly. Repeated resets can flood the exchanger with unburned gas or damage the igniter.

What if it trips again: note any flashing light codes on the control board. Common codes point to pressure switch issues, flame sensing, rollout, or limit trips. Do not bypass safety switches. Call a professional with the code information.

"My experience was fantastic!... he came back with the part that he found for the furnace. Now we have heat for the storm and the rest of the winter."

How To Reset an Electric Furnace or Air Handler

Electric furnaces use heating elements and high-limit safeties. Resets focus on restoring airflow and clearing a tripped limit.

1. Turn the thermostat Off.
2. Shut off the air handler breaker.
3. Replace the air filter and ensure all returns are open.
4. Inspect the blower door. Close it firmly to engage the safety switch.
5. Restore power at the breaker and set the thermostat to Heat.

If the limit trips again, a bad sequencer, failed element, or restricted duct may be at fault. A technician can test elements, fuses, relays, and blower amperage.

How To Reset a Boiler

Hot water and steam boilers rely on water pressure, safeties, and ignition control. Only perform basic resets.

1. Set thermostats to Off.
2. Confirm the boiler switch and service switch are Off.
3. Verify system pressure reads in the normal range for your system. Do not add water unless trained to do so.
4. Restore the service switch and boiler power.
5. Set thermostats to call for heat.

If the boiler locks out again, note error codes. Frequent causes include low water, airflow to the burner, dirty flame sensor, or draft problems. Call a pro if you suspect any of these.

"Very professional service for my old boilers and radiators from both rob and frank!"

How To Reset a Heat Pump or Dual-Fuel System

Heat pumps have safeties for pressure, defrost, and compressor protection. They also have time delays.

1. Set the thermostat to Off.
2. Turn the indoor air handler and outdoor unit breakers Off.
3. Wait 5 minutes to let refrigerant pressures equalize.
4. Turn power back On at both breakers.
5. Set the thermostat to Heat. Give the system several minutes. Many units have a built-in delay.

If your system uses dual-fuel, verify the gas furnace side is not in lockout. If you see ice buildup on the outdoor coil, allow a complete defrost cycle. Persistent icing or frequent trips point to airflow or refrigerant issues and require a technician.

When Not To Reset

There are times when a reset is unsafe or counterproductive.

• You smell gas or see signs of scorching.
• The breaker trips again immediately after you reset it.
• You see water around the furnace, boiler, or air handler.
• The flue or vent is blocked by ice, snow, or debris.
• You have repeated lockouts with the same error code.

In these cases, shut the system down and call for service. Safety limits are telling you something important.

Thermostat Resets That Help

Some outages start at the thermostat. Try these quick steps.

1. Replace batteries with fresh ones.
2. Check date and time. Defrost or schedule features may behave oddly if these are wrong.
3. For smart thermostats, reboot in the app or by removing the face for 30 seconds.
4. Verify system type in settings. Heat pump vs conventional settings must match your equipment.

If you recently changed settings, restore defaults and reselect your equipment type.

Power and Breaker Tips

Electrical issues are the hidden cause of many heat failures.

• Look for dedicated breakers labeled Furnace, Air Handler, Boiler, and Outdoor Unit. Reset by moving fully to Off, then to On.
• Check GFCI outlets in the furnace room or near the condensate pump.
• If a breaker trips again, do not force it. There is likely a shorted wire, failed motor, or bad element.

Airflow Checklist to Prevent Future Lockouts

Good airflow keeps limit switches happy and efficiency high.

1. Change 1-inch filters every 30 to 60 days. Media filters last longer, but check monthly.
2. Keep 2 feet of clearance around the furnace and 3 feet around the outdoor unit.
3. Have ducts inspected for kinks, crushed flex, or closed dampers.
4. Clean return grilles. Dust mats act like filters and starve the blower.

Local detail: homes in Chesterton, Portage, and Valparaiso often have sidewall PVC vents. Keep them clear of drifting snow after lake-effect systems.

Why Your Reset Did Not Hold

If heat comes back and then fails again, an underlying fault remains.

• Dirty flame sensor or failed igniter.
• Pressure switch or inducer problems from a blocked vent or failed motor.
• Overheating due to restricted airflow or a failing blower motor.
• Heat pump low refrigerant charge, iced coil, or stuck reversing valve.
• Boiler low water, faulty expansion tank, or circulator problems.

A licensed technician will run static pressure tests, measure gas pressure, verify microamp flame signal, and check refrigerant charge per manufacturer specs. This ensures a lasting fix, not just a temporary reset.

"Robert and Dakota were very professional and knowledgeable… completed a furnace tune-up… explained everything to us. We are glad we followed the recommendation."

Preventative Maintenance That Stops Lockouts

Professional maintenance prevents most emergency resets.

• Clean burners, flame sensor, and blower assemblies.
• Check wear on igniters, belts, and motors.
• Test thermostat calibration.
• Measure refrigerant levels and assess airflow.
• Secure electrical connections and lubricate moving parts.
• Inspect and replace air filters as needed.

Members of a quality maintenance plan get two tune-ups per year, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs and parts. That means fewer surprises and a longer system life.

Fact check you can trust:

• Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has served local homeowners since 1969.
• We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our technicians are background checked and continuously trained.

When To Call A Professional

Call if any of these apply.

1. You have repeated lockouts with the same code.
2. You suspect a carbon monoxide issue or have a chirping CO alarm.
3. Your boiler pressure is unstable or relief valve is dripping.
4. Your heat pump ices up quickly after a reset.
5. The system is older than 15 years and repairs are frequent.

Expect clear communication, upfront pricing that you approve before work starts, and fully stocked trucks that resolve most issues the same day. We also offer 24/7 emergency heating service for extreme weather.

Cities we serve for fast heating help: Portage, Valparaiso, Hobart, Chesterton, Porter, Knox, Kouts, Burns Harbor, Beverly Shores, and Wheeler.

DIY Reset Summary

• Fix the cause first: filter, vents, drains, breakers, and thermostat.
• Power down safely for 1 to 5 minutes, then restore.
• Observe ignition sequence and watch for error codes.
• Do not press a reset multiple times or bypass safeties.
• Call a licensed pro if the issue repeats or involves fuel, water, or electrical hazards.

Special Offers That Make Repairs And Tune-Ups Easier

• $69 heating tune-up. Must schedule by 11/30/25. Coupons may not be combined and must be presented at time of service.
• $69 Furnace Inspection with No Breakdown Guarantee. Book within this month to receive the special price.
• Free Service Call on any paid repair. This month only.
• Financing available on high-efficiency furnaces with payments as low as $75 per month. Call for details. Terms may apply.

Call (219) 500-8902 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/chesterton/ and mention the $69 tune-up to lock in your savings.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"My experience was fantastic! Brandon came out to relate our furnace. It turned out that our furnace needed a part that was going to take 2 to 3 days to get. It looked like we were going to have to ride out this winter storm with no heat. He left and SURPRISE he came back with the part that he found for the furnace. Now we have heat for the storm and the rest of the winter. I cannot say enough about how great Brandon and Summers heating are. They are awesome!"
–Heating Repair, Chesterton

"Very professional service for my old boilers and radiators from both rob and frank!"
–Boiler Service, Valparaiso

"Robert and Dakota were very professional and knowledgeable. They looked at two systems, a boiler and completed a furnace tune-up. We are new homeowners Robert explained about the boiler system. Robert explained his concerns with the boiler. Based on the age, we suspected a replacement would be needed. Robert provided us with our options. Next Robert and Dakota checked the furnace. Again, patiently explaining everything to us. Summers was recommended to us by family. We are glad we followed the recommendation."
–Heating Maintenance, Portage

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the reset button on a furnace?

Most gas furnaces do not have a user reset button. Power cycling at the service switch is the safe method. Some models include a small reset, but press only once after correcting the cause.

How long should I power a furnace or heat pump off before resetting?

Wait 1 minute for furnaces to fully discharge. For heat pumps and outdoor units, wait 5 minutes so refrigerant pressures equalize. Restore thermostat calls after power returns.

Is it safe to press a furnace reset multiple times?

No. Repeated resets can flood the exchanger with unburned gas or overheat parts. If the unit trips again, call a licensed technician and note any error codes.

Why does my heat work after a reset then shut off again?

There is an underlying fault such as airflow restriction, dirty flame sensor, pressure switch issue, or low refrigerant on heat pumps. A pro diagnosis prevents repeat lockouts.

Do I need a professional if my boiler loses pressure?

Yes. Low pressure can indicate leaks, expansion tank failure, or safety valve issues. Do not add water without training. Shut down and call for service.

Bottom Line

Resetting a heater should be safe, simple, and effective when you correct the cause first. If you still see lockouts, odd noises, or breaker trips, it is time for a pro. For fast help with how to reset your heating system in Chesterton and nearby towns, call the local team that shows up prepared.

Call, Schedule, Or Chat

• Call now: (219) 500-8902
• Book online: https://www.summersphc.com/chesterton/
• Active savings: mention the $69 heating tune-up or $69 Furnace Inspection with No Breakdown Guarantee when you schedule.

Stay warm and safe. We are available 24/7 with upfront pricing and fully stocked trucks.

Ready for guaranteed heat? Call (219) 500-8902 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/chesterton/ today. Ask about the $69 heating tune-up and payments as low as $75 per month on select furnaces.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Serving Northwest Indiana since 1969, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling delivers licensed, bonded, and insured HVAC service backed by upfront pricing and same-day response. Our background-checked techs receive continuous training and arrive in fully stocked trucks to solve most issues on the first visit. We offer 24/7 emergency service, flexible financing on high-efficiency equipment, comprehensive warranties, and value-packed maintenance plans. As a local team, we understand lakeshore humidity, lake-effect cold, and how to keep homes in Chesterton, Valparaiso, and nearby towns comfortable and efficient year-round.