Decatur, IN Heating System Reset — HVAC Restart Tips

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

When the house is cold and the heater will not start, you want a quick, safe fix. This guide shows how to reset your heating system when the heater stops working, step by step, so you can try simple solutions before calling in a pro. If you prefer expert help in Fort Wayne, our team is ready the same day, and current coupons can trim your cost.

Before You Reset: Safety First

Your heating system burns fuel or moves high electrical loads. A careless reset can hide a serious fault. Start with these precautions to keep your family safe.

1. Smell gas or hear hissing.
2. • Leave the home and call your gas utility, then a professional.
2. Suspect carbon monoxide.
3. • If alarms sound or you feel dizzy, exit immediately and call 911.
3. Power down when working.
4. • Use the service switch at the furnace or the breaker before touching panels.
4. Know when to stop.
5. • If the system trips repeatedly, do not keep resetting. You could damage equipment.

Local insight: Fort Wayne winters can swing fast, and drafts from garage entries off Coldwater Road or Dupont can trip pressure switches. Close exterior doors and verify vents are clear before you begin.

Quick Checks When the Heater Stops Working

Most no‑heat calls start with small issues. Run these checks in two minutes.

1. Thermostat
2. • Set to Heat, fan to Auto, temperature 3 to 5 degrees above room temp.
   • Replace batteries if the display is dim or blank.
2. Breakers and switches
3. • Confirm the furnace switch is on. Check the HVAC breaker in your panel.
3. Airflow
4. • Replace a clogged filter. A blocked filter can overheat a furnace and trip limits.
   • Make sure supply registers are open and the return grill is not blocked by furniture.
4. Outdoor unit for heat pumps
5. • Clear snow, leaves, or ice from the top and sides. Maintain at least 18 inches of clearance.
5. Fuel supply
6. • For gas, confirm the gas valve at the appliance is parallel to the pipe. For oil or propane, ensure tanks are not empty.

If the system still will not heat, proceed with a controlled reset based on your equipment type.

How To Reset Your Furnace Safely

Most gas furnaces include safety controls that interrupt heating when a fault occurs. Use these steps to attempt a safe reset once.

1. Power cycle
2. • Turn the furnace switch off or flip the breaker off. Wait 60 seconds. Turn it back on.
2. Check the blower door
3. • Ensure the panel is fully seated. Many furnaces have a door switch that must be engaged.
3. Inspect the filter and vents
4. • Install a clean filter. Check the PVC intake and exhaust for frost or leaves at the exterior wall.
4. Thermostat call for heat
5. • Set Heat and raise temperature. Watch the ignition sequence through the view port.
5. If ignition fails twice
6. • Stop and call a professional. Repeated resets can flood the burner or damage the igniter.

Pro tip for Fort Wayne homes built before the 2000s in neighborhoods like Aboite and Northcrest: legacy furnaces often trip on a dirty flame sensor. This is a simple professional fix and should not be bypassed with repeated resets.

Resetting a Heat Pump System

Air‑source heat pumps have different controls and may lock out in freezing weather.

1. Thermostat and mode
2. • Set to Heat. If you have AUX or Emergency Heat, use Heat first.
2. Outdoor unit reset
3. • Turn off the outdoor disconnect or breaker for 2 to 3 minutes to clear soft lockouts.
3. Defrost cycle check
4. • Light steam in cold weather is normal during defrost. Heavy ice that does not clear may indicate a sensor issue.
4. Air handler
5. • Confirm the indoor blower runs. Replace the filter and ensure condensate drains are not tripped.
5. Trial run
6. • Restore power and call for heat. If the breaker trips again, schedule service to avoid compressor damage.

When a Boiler Needs a Reset

Hydronic boilers include high‑limit and flame supervision safeties.

1. Water pressure
2. • Most systems operate near 12 to 15 psi when cool. If near zero, do not reset. Call a pro.
2. Purge air
3. • Gurgling or cold radiators can indicate air. Bleeding should be done carefully to protect the system.
3. Safety reset button
4. • Many controls have a red reset. Press it once only. If it trips again, stop.
4. Check flue and combustion air
5. • Make sure the vent and intake are open and clear outside.

If your boiler locked out after construction dust, it may be a dirty flame sensor or blocked condensate trap. Both are common in winter tune‑ups across Allen County.

After the Reset: What Normal Operation Looks Like

Once power is restored and a call for heat is sent, expect this sequence on a gas furnace.

1. Inducer motor starts.
2. Pressure switch proves venting.
3. Igniter glows or sparks.
4. Gas valve opens and burners light.
5. Flame sensor proves flame.
6. Blower engages after a short delay.

If the flame lights then shuts off after a few seconds, a dirty flame sensor or grounding issue is likely. If the inducer runs with no ignition, check for blocked intake or an error code on the control board. Photograph the code chart inside the blower door for the technician.

Common Reasons A Reset Fails

When a reset does not hold, one of these issues is common.

• Clogged filter or restricted ducts causing high‑limit trips.
• Frozen or blocked PVC intake or exhaust piping.
• Failed igniter or weak flame sensor signal.
• Faulty pressure switch from wind or venting issues.
• Low refrigerant or iced coil on heat pumps.
• Tripped float switch from a full condensate drain.

Document any error codes and the steps you took. This shortens diagnostic time and saves money during service.

Preventative Steps To Avoid The Next No‑Heat Call

A little maintenance prevents most lockouts and emergency resets.

1. Replace filters on schedule
2. • 1‑inch filters: every 1 to 2 months. High‑MERV media: every 3 to 6 months.
2. Keep vents clear
3. • Shovel or brush snow away from sidewall terminations after lake‑effect bursts.
3. Annual tune‑up
4. • A professional cleaning restores safe ignition, checks CO, and verifies combustion. Our $69 furnace inspection special includes a no breakdown guarantee during the season when offered.
4. Test CO detectors
5. • Press the test button monthly and replace units every 5 to 7 years per manufacturer guidance. We evaluate detectors during furnace work because carbon monoxide safety matters.
5. Membership plan
6. • Priority scheduling, discounted repairs, and reminders help you stay ahead of the cold.

When To Call A Pro in Fort Wayne

Resetting is a smart first step, but do not fight the same fault over and over. Call if you notice any of the following.

• Repeated trips after a single reset attempt.
• Burners light then drop out within 5 to 10 seconds.
• Breaker trips when the system starts.
• Ice buildup on a heat pump that will not clear during defrost.
• Any carbon monoxide or gas concerns.

We serve Fort Wayne, New Haven, Huntertown, Auburn, Decatur, and nearby communities. Same‑day times are usually available during business hours, and emergency service is offered during extreme cold snaps.

Transparent Pricing, Warranties, and What To Expect From Us

Homeowners want clarity before work begins. Here is what you can expect with Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling.

• Upfront estimates
• • You receive a written estimate that separates equipment and labor for installs or replacements. We also explain annual maintenance costs before you decide, so you can plan the full lifecycle.
• Warranty‑backed installs
• • New furnace installations include a manufacturer warranty on components. Extended options are available for added peace of mind.
• Price‑match promise
• • If you find a comparable written quote, we match or beat it. You get local service with competitive pricing.
• Safety checks
• • During furnace projects we recommend installing and testing carbon monoxide detectors and help verify correct operation.

Two hard facts you can use today:

1. $69 Furnace Inspection special with seasonal availability and listed expiration of November 5, 2025, helps catch issues before winter peaks.
2. $2500 Off Full Furnace Replacement offer with an expiration of December 3, 2025, reduces the cost of high‑efficiency upgrades.

If your quick reset did not hold, scheduling a same‑day diagnostic can protect your equipment and restore heat fast.

Special Offers for Fort Wayne Homeowners

• Save $2500 on a Full Furnace Replacement. Use code: 2500-OFF. Expires 12/03/2025.
• $69 Furnace Inspection and Preventative Maintenance. This month only. Expires 11/05/2025.
• Free Service Call on Any Paid Heating Repair. This month only. Expires 11/05/2025.

Call (260) 222-8183 and mention the offer you prefer, or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/fort-wayne/

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Tyler could’ve saved my son and I’s life... They eased my concerns about my whole system ensuring every room would be heating properly with the new system after install."
–Sarah G., Heating System Installation

"Zack and Brandon installed our new heating system. they did an amazing job and I would definitely have them again if I need any other jobs done."
–Christopher B., Heating System Installation

"Grant came out today to service my furnace and humidification system... He explained everything he did and showed me a few things... to make my system function more efficiently."
–Christine O., Furnace Service

"The team really helped out when my heat was out and gave amazing service."
–Joseph B., Furnace Repair

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the reset button on a furnace?

It is often on the control board behind the blower door, or your thermostat power cycle acts as a reset. Always cut power at the switch or breaker first. If you cannot find a labeled reset, do not press random buttons.

Is it safe to press a boiler reset more than once?

No. Press it once only. A second trip means a real fault, like fuel, venting, or ignition problems. Repeated resets can flood burners or mask unsafe combustion. Call a professional.

How long should I cut power to reset a heat pump?

Two to three minutes clears most soft lockouts. Turn off the outdoor disconnect or breaker, wait, then restore power and call for heat. If a breaker trips again, stop and schedule service.

Will resetting my system void a warranty?

No, a single safe reset will not void a manufacturer warranty. Damage from repeated resets or improper wiring can. Keep notes of any error codes and actions for your technician.

Do you service my area around Fort Wayne?

Yes. We serve Fort Wayne, New Haven, Huntertown, Auburn, Decatur, Kendallville, Bluffton, and nearby communities with same‑day options during regular hours.

Final Takeaway

A careful reset can revive many heaters, but repeated trips signal real faults. If you tried the steps above and still have no heat, call a pro who will protect your system and your safety. For fast help with how to reset your heating system in Fort Wayne, call (260) 222-8183 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/fort-wayne/. Ask about $69 inspections and $2500 replacement savings.

Ready To Get Warm Again?

• Call now: (260) 222-8183
• Book online: https://www.summersphc.com/fort-wayne/
• Mention your choice of coupon: $69 Furnace Inspection, Free Service Call with repair, or $2500 Off Full Furnace Replacement before the listed expirations.

Your family gets safe heat, clear pricing, and warranty‑backed work today.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

For 40+ years, Fort Wayne homeowners have trusted our licensed, certified HVAC pros for fast, fair service. We offer same‑day appointments, transparent estimates, and a price‑match guarantee. Our installs are backed by manufacturer warranties, and we prioritize safety, including carbon monoxide detector checks during furnace work. Serving Fort Wayne, New Haven, Huntertown, and nearby communities with dependable, neighborly care.