December 8, 2025
Aurora, CO HVAC: Reset Your Heating System Quickly
Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes
Heater quit on a cold night? This guide shows you how to reset your heating system fast and safely. If you are searching how to reset heating system because your furnace, boiler, heat pump, or mini‑split just stopped, start here. We will cover the exact steps, what to check first, and when to call a licensed pro. Denver winters and Front Range cold snaps are no joke, so let’s get your heat back quickly and safely.
Safety First: Read This Before You Touch Anything
A reset can clear a nuisance lockout, but it will not fix a dangerous fault. If you smell gas, hear sparking, or see smoke, shut off the system and call a professional. For gas equipment, keep the area ventilated. Children and pets should be clear of the work zone. Use a flashlight, not open flame, to inspect.
What qualifies as an emergency:
- Gas smell or suspected leak.
- Repeated tripping breakers.
- Soot around burners or yellow, wavy flames.
- Carbon monoxide alarm sounding.
Brothers offers 24/7 emergency response and same‑day service. If anything seems unsafe, stop and call.
Quick Checks Before You Reset
Most no‑heat calls in the Denver area come from simple issues. Do these checks first:
- Thermostat
- Set to Heat and Auto. Temperature 3 to 5 degrees above room temp.
- Replace batteries if the screen is blank.
- Power
- Confirm the furnace or boiler switch is on. It looks like a light switch near the unit.
- Check the breaker panel. Reset any tripped breaker by switching fully Off, then On.
- Filter and airflow
- A clogged filter can cause overheating and lockouts. Replace if dirty.
- Make sure supply and return vents are open and not blocked by rugs or furniture.
- Gas supply
- For gas equipment, the gas valve handle should be in line with the pipe. If perpendicular, it is off.
- Outdoor unit (heat pumps)
- Clear snow, leaves, and ice from the top and sides. Maintain 18 inches of clearance.
If these do not restore heat, it is time to perform a safe reset.
How to Reset a Gas Furnace
Gas furnaces often lock out after a power blip or flame sensing issue. Here is how to reset heating system for a standard gas furnace:
- Turn the thermostat to Off.
- Locate the power switch near the furnace and turn it Off. Wait 60 seconds.
- Replace or clean the furnace filter if dirty.
- Turn the power switch On.
- Turn the thermostat back to Heat and set 3 to 5 degrees above room temperature.
If your furnace has a pilot light:
- Turn the gas control to Off and wait 5 minutes to clear gas.
- Turn to Pilot, press and hold. Light with a long lighter, continue holding 30 seconds, then switch to On.
If it has a flame sensor, dirt can cause misreads. Lightly polishing the sensor with a fine abrasive pad can help, but only if you are comfortable and the power is off. If the furnace trips again, stop and call. Repeated resets point to a bad sensor, igniter, pressure switch, or clogged condensate trap.
Local tip: Denver’s dry air and construction dust load up filters faster. During heavy furnace use, check filters monthly.
How to Reset an Electric Furnace or Air Handler
Electric furnaces and air handlers trip on high heat or electrical faults.
- Set thermostat to Off.
- Turn off the air handler disconnect or switch.
- Replace the filter. Make sure return air grilles are open.
- Inspect the condensate pan and float switch. Empty and clear the drain if full.
- Restore power and set the thermostat to Heat.
If the breaker trips again, do not force it. You may have a failed heating element or shorted control. This is a job for a licensed technician.
How to Reset a Boiler
For hot water or steam boilers, safety comes first. If there is any sign of a leak, shut the system off.
- Set thermostat to Off.
- Turn off power at the boiler service switch.
- Check system pressure on the gauge. Typical cold pressure for many residential systems is around 12 to 15 psi. If it is at zero, call for service.
- Bleed air from radiators if they were recently serviced and feel cold at the top. Use a radiator key and a towel.
- Restore power, then turn the thermostat to Heat.
If your boiler has a digital control, you may see a fault code after power is restored. Some codes clear after a power cycle. Others indicate low water, flame failure, or a blocked vent. Do not press the manual reset repeatedly. For your safety, call a licensed boiler tech who can perform combustion and carbon monoxide checks.
How to Reset a Heat Pump
A heat pump can lock out after a freeze cycle, power outage, or thermostat change.
- Set thermostat to Off.
- At the outdoor unit, turn the disconnect Off.
- Clear snow and debris. Straighten bent fins gently with a fin comb.
- Wait 3 to 5 minutes to let pressures equalize.
- Turn the disconnect On, then set the thermostat back to Heat.
If it blows cool air or trips again, the defrost board, sensor, or reversing valve could be at fault. Denver’s sudden temperature swings can trigger frequent defrost cycles. If issues repeat, schedule service so we can check refrigerant charge, airflow, and defrost operation.
How to Reset a Ductless Mini‑Split
Mini‑splits are zone systems that may show unique error codes.
- Turn the indoor head Off with the remote.
- Switch the outdoor disconnect Off for 2 minutes.
- Clean the indoor filters. They slide out from the front panel.
- Turn power On and set the unit to Heat, Fan Auto, and a practical setpoint.
If the head displays an error, note the exact code before cycling power. Many codes are brand specific. Resetting how to reset heating system for a mini‑split works best when paired with a correct code interpretation.
Thermostat Resets and Smart Controls
A thermostat glitch can mimic a system failure.
- Battery thermostats: replace batteries, then set date and time.
- Smart thermostats: restart through the settings menu. Confirm Wi‑Fi and app control.
- Factory reset: only after noting your schedules.
Common setup mistakes that block heat:
- Wrong system type selected during setup.
- Heat Pump orientation incorrectly set to O or B for the reversing valve.
- Fan set to On, which can blow cool air during off cycles.
If you recently upgraded controls, we can verify compatibility and wiring.
Breakers, GFCIs, and Power Issues
Electrical trips are common when space heaters share circuits with furnaces or boilers. On the Front Range, older homes often have mixed loads.
- Identify the HVAC breaker and reset it fully Off, then On.
- Check nearby GFCI outlets in basements or utility rooms. Press Reset.
- Inspect the service switch at the unit.
If a breaker trips again, stop. Frequent trips signal a real fault that needs a licensed pro.
Venting, Condensate, and Airflow Problems
Modern high‑efficiency furnaces and many boilers produce condensate. Backups trigger safety switches.
- Inspect the condensate trap and tubing for kinks or algae.
- Clean the trap and flush with warm water.
- Verify PVC intake and exhaust are clear outside. Remove leaves, nests, or snow.
If the unit restarts after clearing water, schedule a maintenance visit. We will clean the trap, add tablets, and confirm proper slope.
When Not to Reset Again
Pressing reset repeatedly can flood a combustion chamber or stress components. Stop and call if you see any of these:
- Three or more lockouts in a day.
- Visible water around the boiler or air handler.
- Burning smell, scorched wiring, or soot.
- Carbon monoxide detector alarm.
Our team focuses on root cause diagnostics. That means we fix the problem that caused the lockout, not just the symptom.
Prevent No‑Heat Calls: Maintenance That Works
Routine upkeep prevents most failures and reduces how often you must figure out how to reset heating system.
- Replace filters every 1 to 3 months.
- Keep 18 inches of clearance around equipment.
- Schedule annual tune‑ups before the first cold snap.
What we do on a pro tune:
- Clean burners and heat exchangers.
- Verify combustion on boilers and check for carbon monoxide.
- Test ignition, pressure switches, and safety circuits.
- Check refrigerant charge on heat pumps.
- Flush condensate traps and lines.
Hard facts that protect your home:
- Our Home Care Club includes a 2‑year warranty on all work performed, priority service, and a 10% discount on repairs.
- We are BBB accredited with an A+ rating and offer 24/7 emergency response.
Denver‑Area Insight: Fast Resets, Real Solutions
On the Front Range, rooftop systems are common. When replacement is needed, our team coordinates cranes safely and restores heat quickly, as many customers note. High altitude and dry air influence combustion and filtration. We set equipment up for local conditions and keep you compliant with manufacturer specs. If you keep running into resets, it is time for a professional evaluation and a plan that solves the root cause.
Special Offers for Denver‑Area Homeowners
- Special Offer: Save $50 on furnace replacement. Use code mention “$50 Off Work Performed on Denver Furnace Replacement” before 2025‑11‑05.
- Special Offer: Save $50 on boiler service in Littleton. Use code mention “$50 Off Work Performed on Littleton Boilers” before 2025‑12‑03.
- Special Offer: Save $50 on heat pump service. Use code mention “$50 Off Work Performed on Heat Pumps” before 2025‑11‑05.
- Bundle Deal: $1,500 OFF AC and Furnace Bundle. Expires 2025‑11‑05.
Call (720) 994‑7055 or schedule at www.brothersplumbing.com to claim your discount. Financing options available with approved credit.
What Homeowners Are Saying
"Use Brothers for a no hassle, no worry, professional installation... Old heater went out on a Friday, Brothers installed a new heater over the weekend... Andrew L the installer was a master at his trade... I couldn’t be happier."
–Jason M., Heater Replacement
"Gannon and his team came to install a whole new HVAC system at my house... Brothers organized a crane to help get the system up to the roof... worked all day to restore heat to my home."
–John S., HVAC System Installation
"Chris M. at Brothers came to fix our furnace. He identified the issue and the root cause... explained how the furnace worked. We had a positive experience."
–Daniel B., Furnace Repair
"We’ve had Brothers install both a furnace and a heat pump for us, and have been thoroughly pleased... You can probably find cheaper HVAC service, but certainly not better."
–Stuart M., Furnace and Heat Pump
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times should I press the reset on my furnace?
Once. If it locks out again, stop and call a pro. Repeated resets can dump fuel, overheat parts, or hide a safety fault that needs proper diagnostics.
Why does my furnace need frequent resets?
Common causes include dirty filters, a fouled flame sensor, blocked intake or exhaust, a full condensate trap, or low gas pressure. A tune‑up typically finds the root cause.
Can a thermostat cause no‑heat even if the furnace is fine?
Yes. Wrong system settings, dead batteries, or incorrect heat pump orientation can stop heating. Restart the thermostat and confirm the system type and schedules.
Is it safe to reset a boiler myself?
Power cycling is safe. Do not force multiple manual resets. If you see leaks, low pressure, or smell gas, shut it down and call a licensed technician.
How often should I replace my furnace filter?
Check monthly and replace every 1 to 3 months in winter. Denver’s dry, dusty conditions can clog filters faster, so inspect more often during cold snaps.
Bottom Line
A careful reset can restore heat fast, but it should not hide a real fault. Use this guide to safely figure out how to reset heating system, then fix the cause so it does not return. Our Denver team is ready with same‑day solutions, safety checks, and clear pricing.
Ready for Heat Again? Call or Schedule Now
- Call: (720) 994‑7055
- Schedule: www.brothersplumbing.com
- Current coupons: $50 Off Furnace Replacement, $50 Off Boilers, $50 Off Heat Pumps, $1,500 OFF AC and Furnace Bundle.
Join the Home Care Club for a 2‑year workmanship warranty, priority service, and a 10% repair discount. Get your heater working right today.
About Brothers Plumbing, Heating, and Electric
Brothers is Denver’s trusted one‑stop team for plumbing, heating, and electrical. We are BBB accredited with an A+ rating and recognized by the Denver Post Top Workplace and Colorado Titan 100 awards. You get licensed technicians, transparent pricing, and 24/7 emergency service. Our Home Care Club adds a 2‑year workmanship warranty, priority scheduling, and repair discounts. We fix root causes, not symptoms, and back it with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.