Glendale, AZ HVAC: Reset Your Heating System Fast

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

When your home is cold and the heater will not start, panic sets in fast. Here is how to reset your heating system safely and get warm air flowing again. This guide shows simple checks for homeowners, whether you have a furnace or a heat pump, plus when to call a pro if a reset does not hold. Keep reading for local tips, safety steps, and savings on service.

Safety first: when not to reset

Before you press any reset button, make sure it is safe. A reset is only for minor, temporary faults. If you smell gas, hear arcing, or see burn marks at the furnace, stop and leave the area. Call your gas utility or 911 if you suspect a gas leak. Do not cycle power repeatedly. Multiple resets can force a dangerous restart or damage components.

If your breaker tripped more than once, do not keep flipping it. Breakers trip to protect wiring. Repeated trips mean a short, motor failure, or a control issue that needs a licensed technician. If your system is under manufacturer warranty, opening sealed compartments can void coverage. A professional visit protects your warranty and your home.

Quick safety reminders:

1. Turn off the system at the thermostat before touching equipment.
2. Cut power at the switch or breaker if you remove panels.
3. Keep children and pets away from the work area.

Quick checks before you hit reset

A surprising number of no‑heat calls in Phoenix come down to simple issues. Try these first:

1. Thermostat settings
2. • Set to Heat.
   • Fan on Auto.
   • Temperature at least 3 degrees above room temp.
   • Replace batteries if the display is dim or blank.
2. Power and switches
3. • Make sure the furnace or air handler switch is on. It looks like a light switch near the unit.
   • Check the breaker labeled Furnace, Air Handler, or Heat Pump. Reset a tripped breaker once by switching fully off, then on.
3. Filter and airflow
4. • A clogged filter can cause overheating and a safety shutdown. Replace if it looks gray or packed with dust. In Arizona, dust from monsoon season can plug a filter in weeks.
4. Door or panel safety switch
5. • Many units will not run if a service door is open. Make sure panels are firmly latched.
5. Gas supply (furnaces only)
6. • Confirm the gas valve near the furnace is parallel with the pipe. If you smell gas, do not continue.

If the system still will not run or it starts then shuts down, proceed to the reset steps below.

How to reset a gas furnace safely

Most modern gas furnaces have electronic ignition and a control board that can lock out after failed starts. Here is the safest way to reset.

1. Turn the thermostat to Off.
2. Locate the furnace power switch and turn it Off. If there is no switch, use the breaker.
3. Wait 60 seconds. This lets the control board fully power down.
4. While you wait, check the filter and confirm all registers are open. Restricted airflow can cause overheating and a lockout.
5. Turn the furnace switch or breaker On.
6. Set the thermostat to Heat and raise the setpoint.

Watch the sequence through the small sight glass on the furnace door if you can see it. You should hear an inducer fan start, see the igniter glow or hear a spark, then see burners light and a steady blue flame. The blower starts a short time later. If the furnace tries to light several times and shuts off again, do not keep resetting. You may have a dirty flame sensor, a pressure switch issue, or a gas supply problem that needs service.

Pilot systems are rare in newer Phoenix homes, but if you have a standing pilot, follow the lighting instructions on the panel. If the pilot will not stay lit, stop and call for help.

How to reset a heat pump system

Heat pumps are common across the Valley and can enter a protective lockout during brownouts or thermostat miscommunication. Try this clean reset.

1. Set the thermostat to Off.
2. Switch the heat pump breaker Off at the electrical panel. Many rooftop package units in Phoenix also have a disconnect on the roof near the unit.
3. Wait 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the refrigerant pressures to equalize and resets the control.
4. Turn the breaker and any disconnect back On.
5. Set the thermostat to Heat and raise the setpoint.

Give the system up to 10 minutes. You should hear the outdoor unit and the indoor blower. In very cold mornings, the system may run in defrost briefly. If the outdoor fan runs but air is cool, your auxiliary heat may be disabled, or there may be a sensor or reversing valve issue.

If your thermostat shows an error like E1, E2, or Aux Heat Fault, take a photo. Error codes help a technician diagnose quickly and can save you a second visit.

Thermostat and power resets that fix common faults

Sometimes the problem is the control, not the heater.

1. Thermostat reboot
2. • For smart thermostats, remove the faceplate and reseat it. Replace batteries if used.
   • Many models have a Settings menu to Restart. Use that instead of power cycling the furnace repeatedly.
2. Hard power cycle
3. • Turn the system Off at the thermostat.
   • Turn the furnace or air handler switch Off for 60 seconds, then back On.
3. Circuit breaker reset
4. • Identify the correct breaker. Flip fully Off, then On once. If it trips again, stop and call.
4. Wi‑Fi and schedule conflicts
5. • In apps, disable Eco, Away, or Smart Recovery modes during a test. A schedule can override manual heat calls.

If a thermostat is miswired or the C‑wire is loose, you may see flashing displays or random restarts. That requires a pro. Many Arizona homes have the air handler in the attic where summer heat can degrade wiring over time.

After a reset: what normal operation should look like

Knowing what to expect helps you decide if the reset worked.

• Gas furnace
• • Inducer starts.
  • Igniter glows or spark clicks.
  • Burners light with a steady blue flame. Minor orange flicker is normal at startup.
  • Blower starts after a short delay.
• Heat pump
• • Outdoor fan and compressor start.
  • Indoor blower runs. Air should warm within a few minutes. In very cold mornings, auxiliary heat may engage.
• Thermostat
• • No error codes. Room temperature begins moving toward setpoint.

Allow 10 to 15 minutes. If you still have no heat, or it cycles on and off quickly, the reset did not address the root cause.

Why systems lock out and how to prevent it

Modern controls shut down to protect your equipment. Here are frequent reasons and how to avoid them in Phoenix homes.

1. Overheating from poor airflow
2. • Dirty filters, closed registers, or blocked returns make furnaces overheat. Replace filters every 30 to 60 days during dusty seasons.
2. Dirty sensors and blower assemblies
3. • A fouled flame sensor or a packed blower wheel causes shutdowns and weak airflow. Our maintenance visits include deep cleaning. We always pull and clean the blower wheel, a step many companies charge $600 to $1,000 for.
3. Drain and condensate faults
4. • Heat pumps and high‑efficiency furnaces often have safeties that trip when drains clog. Arizona dust and attic installs increase risk. Annual cleaning prevents algae and silt buildup.
4. Electrical issues
5. • Loose low‑voltage connections or failed capacitors can cause lockouts after brownouts. Summer heat in attics accelerates component aging.
5. Control board and sensor errors
6. • Failed attempts to start can force a timed lockout. A precise diagnostic is better than repeated resets.

Preventive care is the answer. Unlike quick 20‑minute tune‑ups, our deep clean takes up to two hours. We inspect and clean system components, check for leaks, lubricate moving parts, test controls, and ensure proper airflow and ventilation. The result is fewer lockouts and lower energy bills.

When to call a professional in the Phoenix area

Call a licensed HVAC pro if any of the following is true:

• You smell gas or see scorch marks.
• The breaker trips again after one reset.
• The furnace lights and then shuts off within a minute.
• Your heat pump runs but blows cool air for more than 10 minutes in heat mode.
• You see persistent error codes.
• You are not comfortable removing panels or accessing a rooftop unit.

Here is why Phoenix homeowners trust us when a reset is not enough:

• 24/7 emergency heating service and same‑day appointments when available.
• A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a past BBB ethics award.
• Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer with the Carrier Presidents Award four years in a row.
• Up‑front pricing with no overtime fees and trucks stocked with factory‑authorized parts.
• Over 800 5‑star Google reviews from Arizona neighbors.

We service heat pumps, gas furnaces, rooftop package units, duct systems, and indoor air quality add‑ons. If your heater failed during a dust storm, we can clean impacted components and document before and after with photos and videos so you see the difference.

Pro tip: avoid repeat lockouts with smart settings and zoning

Small adjustments can prevent shutdowns and improve comfort.

1. Set reasonable setbacks
2. • Overnight heat setbacks of more than 6 degrees can trigger long recovery times and lockouts. Use gradual ramps with smart thermostats.
2. Use Auto fan for heat
3. • Constant fan can blow cool air between heat cycles and mask problems.
3. Consider zoning and air balance
4. • For larger homes around Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Peoria, zoning dampers and programmable thermostats reduce strain by conditioning only spaces in use.
4. Keep returns clear
5. • Do not place furniture or holiday decor in front of return grilles. Restricted returns are a top cause of overheating in winter.

If you want expert settings, our tech will review your home layout, attic insulation, and ductwork to optimize airflow and humidity control.

DIY reset checklist you can save

Use this short list for safe resets and faster calls.

1. Thermostat to Heat, setpoint +3, fresh batteries.
2. Filter clean and all registers open.
3. Power switch On at furnace or air handler.
4. Breaker On and reset once if tripped.
5. For heat pumps, power down 3 to 5 minutes, then restart.
6. Observe startup sequence for normal operation.
7. If errors persist, stop and call a pro with your model number and any error codes.

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• $59 furnace or heater tune‑up and deep clean. New customers, residential only. Limited time.
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Call (602) 894-9228 or visit https://www.emergencyair.com/ to schedule. Mention this blog when booking your $59 tune‑up.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"After having an unsatisfactory experience with the company that installed the HVAC system in our new home... By 11:00 AM Lorenzo was here, quickly assessed that a wire was not attached to the gas valve, and we had heat. He even cleaned up the mess left by the installing company." –Bev R., Heating Repair

"Mike Heydon gave me the best of three quotes to replace my A/C, Furnace, and completely new ducting... His staff taught me how to use my new thermostat, and how to use my new app... Mr. Heydon came back to check that everything was in top working order." –Julie P., HVAC Installation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the reset button on a furnace?

Most furnaces do not have a single “reset” button. Power cycling the unit at the switch or breaker for 60 seconds resets the control board. Some models have a small button on the blower motor, but only press it if it is clearly labeled.

How long should I wait after turning a heat pump off before restarting?

Wait 3 to 5 minutes. This allows refrigerant pressures to equalize and prevents compressor damage. After restoring power, give the system up to 10 minutes to produce warm air.

Why does my heater start and then shut off?

Short cycling often means a dirty flame sensor, clogged filter, blocked vent, or an overheating safety trip. Try a new filter and a single reset. If it repeats, call a pro to test sensors and airflow.

Can a thermostat cause a no‑heat situation?

Yes. Dead batteries, miswiring, loose C‑wire connections, or conflicting schedules can block heat calls. Reboot the thermostat, replace batteries, and test in Heat mode with a higher setpoint.

Will resetting my furnace void the warranty?

A simple power reset will not. Opening sealed compartments, bypassing safeties, or forcing repeated restarts can risk damage and may affect coverage. When unsure, schedule a professional visit.

Conclusion

A safe reset can revive many heaters, but persistent lockouts signal a deeper issue. If you need help with how to reset your heating system in Phoenix or want a pro to ensure safe operation, we are ready to respond 24/7.

Call or Schedule Now

• Call: (602) 894-9228
• Book online: https://www.emergencyair.com/
• Coupon: $59 heater tune‑up and deep clean for new customers. Mention this blog to redeem.

Get your heat back, protect your warranty, and prevent future outages with expert care from Emergency Air Heating and Cooling.

Call now at (602) 894-9228 or schedule at https://www.emergencyair.com/ for fast, factory‑authorized heater service. Ask about the $59 tune‑up and deep clean and our free diagnostic waived with repairs.

About Emergency Air Heating and Cooling

For over 20 years, Emergency Air Heating and Cooling has served Phoenix homes with honest, precise HVAC service. We are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and multi‑year Carrier Presidents Award winner. We hold an A+ BBB rating with a past BBB ethics award. Expect background‑checked techs, up‑front pricing with no overtime fees, and 24/7 emergency service. Your comfort is our emergency.