Wheat Ridge Heating System Reset Tips — HVAC Help

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

When your heater stops working, you want a fast, safe reset that actually brings heat back. This guide shows you how to reset your heating system step by step and when to call for help. If you searched how to reset heating system or heater not working, you are in the right place. Use these practical tips to restore heat and protect your equipment.

Safety first: quick checks before any reset

A safe reset prevents bigger problems. Start here:

1. Smell gas? Leave immediately and call your gas utility and 911. Do not reset.
2. Verify power and switches:
3. • Thermostat has working batteries and display.
   • Furnace or air handler switch is ON. It looks like a light switch near the unit.
   • Outdoor heat pump disconnect is inserted and ON.
   • Breakers for furnace, AC, or air handler are ON.
3. Confirm filter is clean and properly seated.
4. Inspect the area around the unit for water, soot, or scorch marks. If you see any, stop and call a pro.
5. Give the system 5 minutes off to clear soft lockouts.

“I received the most thorough cleaning of my furnace I have ever experienced.”

Local tip: Along the Front Range, winter dryness and dust can clog filters faster. At higher elevations such as Evergreen or Conifer, thinner air can impact combustion and draft. Keep filters and vent terminations clear.

How to reset a gas furnace safely

Most modern furnaces protect themselves by locking out after failed ignition attempts. Try this sequence:

1. Set the thermostat to Heat, Fan Auto, and 3 to 5 degrees above room temperature.
2. Turn the furnace power switch OFF. At the electrical panel, turn the furnace breaker OFF.
3. Wait 5 minutes to let the control board discharge.
4. Replace or reseat the air filter. Closed return grilles and a dirty filter cause high limit trips.
5. Inspect the condensate line and trap if you have a high-efficiency furnace. A full or frozen trap stops ignition. Clear clogs and ensure the tube is not kinked.
6. Check the front blower door panel is fully closed. The door switch must be depressed for the furnace to run.
7. Turn the breaker ON, then the furnace switch ON. Give the furnace 2 to 3 minutes to start an ignition sequence.
8. If the furnace lights then shuts off, the flame sensor may be dirty. Do not sand it unless you know how. Schedule service.

What not to do:

• Do not press a reset or cycle breakers repeatedly. That can cause hard lockout or stress the inducer and igniter.
• Do not bypass safety switches.

“He worked hard at cleaning our furnace and providing the proper maintenance.”

Heat pump not heating: reset and defrost tips

If your heat pump blows cool air or short cycles, use this plan:

1. Thermostat mode Heat, set 3 to 5 degrees above room temperature.
2. Turn the outdoor unit disconnect OFF and the indoor air handler breaker OFF.
3. Wait 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Clear any snow or debris from the outdoor coil. In Denver storms, wind-driven snow can block airflow and trigger defrost.
5. Turn power back ON. Give it a full heating cycle to enter normal operation.
6. If the outdoor fan spins but the house is still cold, check auxiliary heat on the thermostat. Electric strips may be disabled by settings or a tripped breaker.

When to call:

• Ice remains on the coil after a full defrost.
• Breaker trips again after reset.
• Outdoor unit hums but does not start. That can indicate a faulty capacitor or compressor issue.

“Knowledgeable, communicative, and dedicated he got a new furnace installed, handling several curve balls… He also went out of his way to reassure us that the new furnace wasn't pumping more carbon monoxide into the house.”

Boiler reset: hydronic system basics

Boilers have different safeties. Check these before a reset:

1. Verify system pressure is within the green zone, typically 12 to 20 psi when cool for two-story Denver homes. Low pressure can trip safeties.
2. Ensure the gas valve is ON and the manual shutoff near the boiler is parallel to the pipe.
3. Check that baseboard or radiator valves are open.
4. Confirm the flue vent and fresh air intake are clear of snow and ice.
5. Press the boiler control’s reset only once. If it locks out again, stop and call.

Look for signs of air in the system such as gurgling or cold radiators. Bleeding may be needed. Condensing boilers produce condensate; a blocked drain will stop ignition.

“Our furnace blower engine was going out… We opted to have a new one installed… He was polite, professional, and thorough.”

Ductless mini split reset and common fixes

A ductless system has indoor heads and an outdoor unit. If a head stops heating:

1. Turn off the indoor unit with the remote. Set mode to Heat, fan to Auto, and setpoint 3 to 5 degrees above room temperature.
2. Cycle power at the outdoor disconnect for 3 minutes, then restore power.
3. Clean the indoor unit’s washable filters. Dust and pet hair commonly restrict airflow.
4. Check the outdoor unit for ice. If iced over, allow a full defrost cycle.
5. Verify no error code is displayed. Refer to the manufacturer chart. Many codes point to sensors or communication issues that require service.

“Great service… Installation is top notch. We would highly recommend Charles and Fix-It… Replaced our furnace and water heaters!”

Thermostat resets that actually help

Many no-heat calls start at the thermostat. Try this:

1. Replace batteries if the display is dim or blank.
2. Confirm the date and time. Some smart thermostats use schedules that drop temp too low at night.
3. Disable temporary holds and set mode to Heat.
4. For smart stats, remove from the wall for 30 seconds, reseat, and reconnect Wi-Fi.
5. If you recently installed a new thermostat, verify it is properly configured for your system type. A heat pump needs the right O/B reversing valve setting and aux heat staging.

If your thermostat was professionally installed by us, we offer free support and can reprogram heat pump or dual-fuel settings.

Breakers, GFCIs, switches, and the hidden lockout

Modern systems trip for safety. Here is how to find and fix common power issues:

• Furnace breaker trips on start: Possible shorted igniter or inducer. One reset is OK. Repeated trips mean stop and schedule repair.
• GFCI outlets near the furnace or condensate pump can trip. Press Reset on the outlet if tripped.
• Look for a service switch on the ceiling or wall near the furnace. Make sure it is ON.
• Some furnaces include a red LED diagnostic light. Count flashes and note the code for your technician.

“Jose was great! He diagnosed the problem quickly… response time… Jose getting the furnace working again.”

Gas supply, flame sensor, and venting

No flames or flames that drop out often trace to fuel or sensing:

• Check the gas meter shutoff. The handle should be in line with the pipe.
• If you recently had utility work or ran out of propane, air in lines may cause failed ignition. Do not force resets.
• A dirty flame sensor cannot confirm a stable flame. Professional cleaning is quick and effective.
• High-efficiency furnaces need clear intake and exhaust pipes. Wind-blown snow in Highlands Ranch or Lafayette can block PVC terminations and stop ignition.

“I received the most thorough cleaning of my furnace I have ever experienced.”

After the reset: signs you fixed it vs signs to call

You likely fixed it if:

• Heat is steady and supply temps at vents climb within 5 to 10 minutes.
• Thermostat reaches setpoint without short cycling.
• No unusual smells, no rattling or grinding.

Call for help if:

• Breakers trip again.
• You smell gas or see soot.
• The furnace ignites then shuts down repeatedly.
• Water pools near a high-efficiency furnace or boiler.

We offer 24/7 emergency service with a guaranteed 4-hour response window across Denver, Boulder, and the northern suburbs.

Prevent the next no-heat event: proven maintenance

Regular maintenance reduces breakdowns and energy use. On our heating pages we note that maintenance can save up to 30 percent per year on energy costs and extend equipment life. Our Green Club Membership starts at $29.95 per month and includes routine maintenance, priority scheduling, and member discounts. Many homeowners join for the complimentary deep clean valued over $400.

What a deep clean includes:

• Safety checks and component testing
• Burner and flame sensor cleaning
• Blower compartment cleaning
• Condensate trap and drain flush
• Static pressure and duct evaluation

“Alonso was incredibly professional and explained in detail each step of his service process… at 8500 ft elevation.”

Repair vs replace: how to decide

Consider a replacement when:

1. Your furnace is 15 to 20 years old or repair costs exceed 30 percent of replacement.
2. Parts are obsolete or heat exchanger is compromised.
3. You want a high-efficiency upgrade, hybrid heat pump, or geothermal system to cut bills.

Why homeowners choose us:

• Free estimates on new heating and cooling systems
• Transparent, flat-rate pricing before work begins
• Financing options through leading partners
• Thousands of 5-star reviews and an A+ BBB rating

“After several discounts I know we got a very good furnace at a reasonable cost… replaced the furnace, repaired some ducts and explained everything about it.”

Local insight: Denver winter and your heater

• Dry air and dust increase filter loading. Check monthly during ski season.
• Snow can block PVC intake and exhaust or a heat pump coil. Keep a 3-foot clearance.
• At 5,280 feet and higher, combustion settings and CO testing matter. Our EPA and NATE-certified techs use calibrated meters to verify safe operation.

Staying ahead of these issues prevents surprise lockouts during the first Arctic blast.

Special Offers for Denver Metro Homeowners

• $0 service call for furnace or heating repairs when you proceed with the repair. Call 303-536-1616 and mention the $0 service call for repairs.
• $39 furnace or heat pump tune-up and deep clean. Schedule your $39 Tune-Up today.
• Green Club Membership: protect your HVAC system year-round for $29.95 per month and receive a complimentary furnace deep clean valued over $400.
• Free estimates on new heating and cooling systems.
• $1,000 off a new full HVAC installation (AC and furnace system).

Act now to lock in seasonal availability and priority scheduling. Book at https://fixmyhome.com/ or call 303-536-1616.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I press the furnace reset?

Once. If it trips again, stop. Repeated resets can force a hard lockout or damage parts. Schedule service to diagnose ignition, flame sensing, or airflow problems.

How long should I power cycle my heater?

Turn power off for 3 to 5 minutes. This clears many soft lockouts in control boards. Restore power and allow a full heat cycle before trying again.

Why does my furnace start then stop after a few minutes?

Common causes are a dirty flame sensor, restricted airflow from a clogged filter, or blocked intake and exhaust. Clean the filter and check vent pipes. Call if it repeats.

Can a thermostat cause no heat?

Yes. Dead batteries, incorrect mode, or wrong system configuration can stop heating. Replace batteries, set to Heat, and verify settings for furnace, heat pump, or boiler.

What maintenance prevents heater lockouts?

Annual tune-ups with deep cleaning, safety checks, and duct evaluation. Members often see fewer breakdowns, better efficiency, and warranty compliance.

Reset done? Here is your next step

If your heater is still not working after these resets, call the Denver team homeowners trust for fast, safe help. We offer 24/7 emergency service, EPA and NATE-certified techs, and flat-rate pricing. For heater stops working help anywhere in the Denver Metro, we are ready to respond within a 4-hour window.

Call 303-536-1616 or book at https://fixmyhome.com/ and mention the $0 service call for repairs. Ask about the $39 tune-up and Green Club at $29.95 per month for priority service and a complimentary deep clean.

About Fix-it 24/7 Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric

Fix-it 24/7 serves the Denver Metro with EPA and NATE-certified technicians, flat-rate pricing, and 24/7 emergency service. We hold an A+ BBB rating, offer free estimates on new systems, and back our work with a satisfaction guarantee. Ask about Green Club maintenance for $29.95 per month and our Hero Membership for community heroes. Financing is available for installations.