Oswego, IL Heating System Reset Tips — HVAC Help

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

Heater suddenly quiet? Before you shiver through the night, learn how to reset heating system components the safe way. This quick guide shows you what to check, the right order to try resets, and when to stop and call a pro. We service all makes and models and can be on-site fast if you need help.

Good news: many no-heat calls in Kendall County turn out to be simple. Follow the steps below to rule out common issues and get heat flowing again.

Safety First: Read This Before You Touch Anything

If you smell gas, hear hissing, or see scorch marks, stop. Leave the home and call your gas utility or 911, then contact our 24/7 team. Never bypass safety switches, hold in a gas valve button, or tape down a door switch. Your equipment has lockout modes that prevent unsafe operation. A proper reset clears the fault only after the cause is addressed.

Key safety checks to start:

1. Confirm the thermostat is set to Heat and above room temperature.
2. Replace thermostat batteries if the screen is dim or blank.
3. Check the shutoff switches:
4. • Furnace switch near the unit should be On.
   • Boiler switch near the stairs or equipment should be On.
   • Outdoor heat pump disconnect should be inserted and on.
4. Check the breaker panel for tripped breakers. Fully switch Off, then On to reset.
5. Make sure all access panels are secured. Many systems will not run if a door is open.

What we see locally: during the first snap of cold in Yorkville and along Route 34, breakers trip from first-run strain and dirty filters restrict airflow. Start with power, panels, and filters before deeper resets.

"Mike called ahead of time, arrived on time, introduced himself upon arrival and explained what he was going to do with regard to cleaning my furnace. He completed the job and was cordial throughout his visit. I found Mike to be professional, honest, helpful and friendly."

Identify Your System So You Use the Right Reset

Different systems have different reset behaviors. Knowing what you have helps you avoid repeated lockouts.

• Gas furnace. Typically in a basement, closet, or attic. Has a front blower door and control board with status lights.
• Boiler. Supplies hot water or steam to radiators or baseboards. You will see pipes, a pressure gauge, and sometimes a sight glass.
• Heat pump or dual-fuel. Outdoor unit looks like an AC, paired with an indoor air handler or furnace. Heats by reversing refrigerant flow.
• Ductless mini-split. Wall or ceiling cassette heads inside, outdoor condenser outside. Each indoor head has its own controls.

Tip: Look for the equipment label for make, model, and fuel type. Snap a photo for your records. It helps during support calls.

"Summers heating and cooling always comes out to work on my dads boiler... Efrain was the tech that came and he was very nice... he installed [a new thermostat] same day, which made my life easier. Again, great company, would recommend."

The Correct Way to Power-Cycle and Reset a Furnace

Most modern furnaces will try to fire three to five times. If they fail, they lock out for safety. A proper reset clears the error after power is removed long enough for capacitors to drain.

Step-by-step:

1. Set thermostat to Off.
2. Turn the furnace switch Off or flip the dedicated breaker Off.
3. Wait at least 5 minutes. This matters. Some boards need a full discharge period.
4. While you wait, replace or clean the filter. A clogged filter can cause high-limit trips.
5. Restore power. Set the thermostat to Heat and 3 to 5 degrees above room temperature.
6. Observe the ignition sequence through the little window on the furnace door:
7. • Inducer fan starts.
   • Pressure switch proves draft.
   • Igniter glows or sparks.
   • Gas valve opens and burners light.
   • Blower starts after a short delay.

If burners light and then go out, the flame sensor may be dirty or a pressure switch is not proving. Do not sand parts. Call for service.

"Great team, great service... removed and installed the new HVAC system... professional and did a great job cleaning up after the install. Highly recommend Summers for HVAC."

How to Reset a Boiler Without Causing Damage

Hydronic systems are durable but sensitive to pressure and safety cutouts.

1. Set thermostats serving radiators to Off.
2. Locate the boiler’s service switch or breaker. Turn Off for 5 minutes.
3. Check the system pressure gauge. Typical cold pressure is 12 to 15 psi for two-story homes. If it is near zero or above 25 psi, do not reset. Call for service.
4. Verify the water supply valve lever to the boiler is parallel to the pipe if your system requires it. Do not add water unless you know the procedure.
5. Restore power and set the thermostat to Heat.
6. Listen for the circulator pump, then burner ignition. Watch for error codes on the control.

If the boiler short cycles, gurgles, or fails to ignite, the issue can be air in the system, a failed igniter, or a blocked flue. Repeated resets can flood the heat exchanger with unburned gas. Stop and call a pro.

"I needed a whole new heating system and they came within a couple of days and installed it. Now I can sleep in peace and not worry if our heating system will go out."

Heat Pump and Ductless: Defrost and Smart Resets

Heat pumps and mini-splits have different logic and may enter defrost in freezing weather.

Try this sequence:

1. Put the thermostat or remote in Heat, then turn the system Off.
2. Turn the indoor air handler switch Off and the outdoor disconnect Off, or flip the breaker Off.
3. Wait 5 minutes. Clear leaves or snow around the outdoor unit with the power Off.
4. Turn power On at the outdoor disconnect first, then indoor unit. Set Heat and raise the setpoint 3 to 5 degrees.

What to watch:

• Steam from the outdoor unit during defrost is normal. Loud metallic noises are often refrigerant flow changes.
• If the outdoor fan does not spin, the unit may be in defrost or the capacitor failed.
• If indoor heads blow but air is cool, the system may be low on refrigerant or in lockout.

If the system trips the breaker after a reset, stop. A shorted compressor or fan motor needs testing. We can perform a same-day diagnosis.

"Eduardo... installed my furnace several years ago and did an incredible job. Thank you for an outstanding job. You are the Best."

Thermostat Resets That Fix a Lot of No-Heat Calls

Thermostats cause many no-heat issues, especially older models around Naperville and Plainfield.

• Battery replacement. If your thermostat screen flickers or is blank, new batteries often restore heat.
• Hard reset. For smart stats, remove from base, wait 30 seconds, reseat, and reboot using the menu.
• Heat mode and schedule. Verify Heat is selected and that holds or schedules are not set to Eco or Away.
• C-wire check. Some smart thermostats without a C-wire can drop out. A power adapter or professional wiring fix resolves this.
• Location matters. Thermostats near a sunlit window or over a supply register can misread room temperature.

After any thermostat change, wait 5 minutes for equipment to respond. Many furnaces have a time delay to protect components.

"Felipe came to install a thermostat... he made many suggestions and they all worked... we need more technician like him."

Airflow, Filters, and Vents: The Easy Wins

High-limit trips are common when airflow is restricted, especially during dusty remodels in Joliet and Romeoville.

1. Replace the furnace filter. Choose the correct size and orientation. Overly restrictive high-MERV filters can cause overheating.
2. Open supply and return vents. Do not close more than one or two rooms. Balanced airflow protects the heat exchanger.
3. Check the blower compartment for debris. Always turn power Off before opening panels.
4. Look for an iced indoor coil on heat pump systems. Poor airflow can cause icing. Power down and let it thaw before restarting.

After improving airflow, perform the power-cycle reset steps again. If the system still overheats, a failing blower motor or dirty secondary heat exchanger may be the cause.

Condensate and Flue Issues That Mimic a Bad Furnace

High-efficiency furnaces and many boilers produce condensate. If drains clog, pressure switches trip and the system locks out.

• Condensate trap. Check for a full or sludgy trap. If you are comfortable, remove the vinyl tubing and clear it with a gentle flush. Reconnect firmly.
• Pump failure. If you hear clicking from a condensate pump with no water movement, call for service. Do not run the unit with the pump unplugged.
• Intake and exhaust. Clear snow, leaves, or nests from PVC terminations outside. Blocked pipes will stop ignition.

Caution: Never blow compressed air into control tubing. You can damage the pressure switch diaphragm.

Gas Supply and Flame Proving: When to Stop Resetting

If a furnace lights and goes out, the flame sensor may not prove flame. If it never lights, the igniter or gas flow may be at fault.

• Verify the manual gas valve to the furnace or boiler is parallel to the pipe.
• Check other gas appliances. If the stove works but the furnace does not, the furnace needs service.
• Flame sensor cleaning looks simple online, but abrasive cleaning can ruin the protective coating. Leave this to a pro.

After one proper reset, do not keep cycling power. Repeated lockouts point to a real fault that needs diagnosis.

How Often Should You Reset Before Calling?

A single careful reset is reasonable after fixing a clear issue such as a tripped breaker or clogged filter. If your system locks out again, stop. Continuous resets stress igniters, control boards, and compressors.

Call when you see any of these:

• Burning smell or scorch marks
• Breaker trips again
• Water under the furnace or boiler
• Loud grinding or screeching
• Error code repeating after a reset

We offer 24/7 emergency service with fully stocked trucks, so most fixes happen in one visit. Yorkville winters do not wait. Neither should heat.

Prevent Lockouts With Pro Maintenance

Annual maintenance before the cold sets in keeps your system safe and efficient. Our tune-up includes:

• Deep cleaning of coils, burners, and blowers
• Thorough checks for worn-out parts or safety hazards
• Precision testing of your thermostat to verify accurate performance
• Monitoring refrigerant and airflow levels
• Securing electrical connections and reviewing all safety controls
• Oiling motors and moving parts to reduce wear and keep things quiet
• Inspecting filters and recommending replacement if needed

Members enjoy two scheduled tune-ups each year, priority responses when you need help quickly, savings on repairs and replacement parts, and priority scheduling for urgent concerns. Most lockouts we see during the first freeze could have been prevented with a preseason tune-up and filter plan.

When Repair Beats Reset: Signs It Is Time to Replace

If your equipment is older and breaking down, a reset is a temporary fix.

Consider replacement when:

• Furnace or boiler is 15 to 20 years old with rising gas bills
• Heat pump or ductless unit needs frequent refrigerant top-offs
• Cracked heat exchanger or unsafe flue conditions exist
• Parts are obsolete and lead times are long

We install high-efficiency systems compatible with smart thermostats and indoor air upgrades. Flexible financing is available for qualified customers, with payments as low as $75 per month on a high efficiency furnace. We also offer free quotes and a price-match promise.

Local Insight: What Breaks Most Around Kendall County

• Furnace pressure switches and flame sensors struggle after long humid summers.
• Snow drifted vents near the Fox River corridor cause furnace lockouts in storms.
• Aging thermostats from the 1990s in Oswego and Bolingbrook fail under first cold snaps.

We know the patterns and stock the parts. A single visit often restores reliable heat without repeat trips.

Quick Checklist: How to Reset Heating System the Right Way

1. Set thermostat to Off. Replace batteries if needed.
2. Turn equipment power Off at the switch or breaker for 5 minutes.
3. Replace the filter and open vents.
4. Clear outdoor intake and exhaust. Check condensate lines.
5. Restore power. Set Heat, raise setpoint 3 to 5 degrees, wait for a full cycle.
6. If it locks out again or trips the breaker, stop and call for service.

Remember, a safe reset solves the symptom only when the cause is simple. Anything more needs a licensed technician.

Special Offers to Get You Warm Faster

• Special Offer: Heating tune-up for $69. Schedule by 12/31/25. Terms apply. Call (331) 294-8731 and mention the $69 tune-up.
• Furnace inspection special: $69 This Month Only with a No Breakdown Guarantee. Call to book and mention the furnace inspection special.
• Financing: Payments as low as $75 per month on a high efficiency furnace. Terms may apply.
• Free quotes on furnace installation plus our price-match promise. We will match or beat competitor pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my furnace actually needs a reset?

Try a single reset after fixing a clear issue such as a tripped breaker or clogged filter. If it locks out again or shows the same error code, stop and call a pro.

How long should I cut power when I reset my heating system?

Turn power Off for at least 5 minutes. This lets control boards fully discharge and clear faults. Shorter cycles may not reset the lockout.

Is it safe to clean my own flame sensor?

Avoid it. Abrasive cleaning removes protective coating and can cause repeat lockouts. A technician can clean or replace it correctly.

Why does my heat pump blow cool air during winter?

It may be in defrost or low on refrigerant. Try a proper power cycle. If air stays cool or breakers trip, schedule service.

How often should I service my heating system?

Once a year before cold weather. Our maintenance members receive two major checkups each year, priority scheduling, and repair discounts.

Conclusion: Your Next Step to Reliable Heat

Now you know how to reset heating system parts safely and when to call for help. If your heater still will not run in Yorkville, Aurora, Naperville, or nearby, call our 24/7 team.

Call (331) 294-8731, schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/yorkville/, and mention the $69 heating tune-up before 12/31/25. Get warm, stay safe, and protect your system for the season.

Ready for Heat Today?

• Call now: (331) 294-8731
• Book online: https://www.summersphc.com/yorkville/
• Save now: $69 heating tune-up when you schedule by 12/31/25. Terms apply.

We service and repair all heating systems, 24/7. Upfront pricing you approve before work starts, plus a price-match promise on installs. Get your comfort back today.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling For over 40 years, our licensed, background-checked technicians have kept Kendall County homes comfortable with fast, honest service. We offer upfront pricing you approve before work starts, a price-match promise, same-day and 24/7 emergency service, and industry-leading installation warranties. Our trucks arrive fully stocked to finish most jobs in one visit. From high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps to indoor air upgrades, we tailor solutions for Yorkville, Aurora, Naperville, and nearby communities.