Amherst, NY HVAC: Reset Your Heating System Fast

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

When your home goes cold, knowing how to reset heating system controls can save the day. This quick guide shows you safe steps to try before you call for service. If you have no heat during a Buffalo cold snap, we can help fast, including 24/7 live answering and same-day support when possible. Keep reading for simple checks, reset steps, and when to call a pro.

First, stay safe and spot the obvious

Before any reset, protect your family and equipment.

• If you smell gas or your CO alarm sounds, evacuate and call 911. Do not reset anything.
• Check the thermostat. Set to Heat, fan Auto, and a setpoint at least 3 degrees above room temperature.
• Replace or clean the air filter. A clogged filter can force limit switches to trip and lock the system.
• Verify power. Make sure the furnace or boiler switch is on, the service door is closed, and breakers are not tripped.
• For Wi-Fi thermostats, confirm batteries or transformer power. Reboot the thermostat if needed.

Local tip: In older Buffalo and Depew homes with finished basements, the furnace switch can be mistaken for a light switch. It should be on and usually sits near the unit.

How to reset a gas furnace safely

Most modern furnaces protect themselves by locking out after failed ignition attempts. Follow these steps.

1. Set the thermostat to Off.
2. Turn off furnace power at the switch or breaker. Wait 60 seconds. This clears many soft lockouts.
3. Restore power. Wait for the control board to cycle.
4. Set the thermostat to Heat and raise the setpoint.
5. Watch and listen. You should hear the inducer motor, then a click for the igniter, followed by burner light and the blower.

If the furnace tries and fails three times, do not keep resetting. Common issues include a dirty flame sensor, blocked intake or exhaust, pressure switch fault, or a failed igniter. Emerald technicians diagnose these quickly and install to manufacturer specifications after repairs.

Resetting an oil or steam boiler system

Boilers are common across WNY, including steam boilers in older homes.

• Hydronic boiler: Set thermostat to Off. Cut power for 60 seconds at the service switch. Restore power and call for heat. Ensure radiators are purged of air and valves are open. If you see a low-water cutoff fault, do not bypass it.
• Steam boiler: Verify the sight glass shows proper water level. Do not add cold water to a hot boiler. Power-cycle for 60 seconds, then call for heat. Listen for burner ignition and steady steam production. Banging in pipes suggests water level or pitch issues.

Never repeatedly press a burner’s reset button. One press is a test. Multiple presses can flood the chamber with fuel and create a dangerous condition.

Heat pump and ductless mini-split resets

Cold-climate heat pumps are popular in Lancaster, Orchard Park, and East Amherst. If yours stops heating:

1. Set system to Off for 60 seconds.
2. Cycle the indoor breaker and the outdoor disconnect if accessible and safe.
3. Clear snow, ice, or leaves from the outdoor coil and top. Maintain a clear 18–24 inch perimeter.
4. Restore power and call for Heat. Allow up to 10 minutes for defrost and compressor delays.

If the unit only blows cool air, you may be in defrost or have a reversing valve or sensor issue. Our trained heat pump specialists can confirm the fault and guide you on available rebates and tax credits if replacement makes sense.

Thermostat fixes that mimic a system failure

Many no-heat calls are control problems, not equipment failures.

• Batteries: Replace if the display is dim or blank.
• Mode: Ensure Heat is selected. In dual-fuel homes, verify you are not locked in Emergency Heat unless directed.
• Scheduling: Temporarily disable schedules that lower temperature overnight.
• Smart stat reboots: Power-cycle the thermostat by removing it from the sub-base for 30 seconds or by using the menu reboot command.

If you recently switched from AC to Heat, a 3–5 minute compressor delay is normal on systems with heat pumps.

Gas supply, switches, and sensors to check

Simple items that stop a heater:

• Gas valve to the furnace or boiler must be parallel with the pipe.
• Exterior gas meter shutoff must be on. Heavy snow in Hamburg or North Tonawanda can bury meters. Clear carefully.
• Furnace door switch must be engaged by the panel. Re-seat the panel firmly.
• Condensate drain blockages can trip safeties. Check the trap and tubing for clogs.

If these items are good but the unit still trips, a technician should test the pressure switch, flame sensor, and high-limit switch.

When to stop resetting and call a pro

A reset is a first aid step, not a cure. Call a licensed HVAC expert when you see any of the following:

• Burning smell, scorch marks, or repeated breaker trips
• Yellow or flickering burner flames instead of steady blue
• Water around the furnace or boiler
• Error codes on the control board or thermostat
• Heat works but short cycles or rooms stay cold

Emerald will match your system to the home, install to manufacturer specs, and dispose of old equipment in an environmentally friendly way.

Repair or replace: how to decide

Sometimes repeated no-heat events signal end of life. Consider replacement if:

• The unit is at the end of its typical lifespan
• Repairs exceed half the cost of replacement
• Efficiency is low and utility bills are rising
• Comfort is poor despite multiple fixes

Fact check for your wallet: National Fuel lists a $600 furnace rebate for qualifying models, and Lennox seasonal rebates can reach up to $1,150. Pairing a furnace with a high-efficiency heat pump may qualify for federal credits up to $2,000. Emerald will calculate total incentives for Buffalo-area homes.

Prevent lockouts with smart maintenance

Most lockouts start as small issues. A simple plan avoids big breakdowns.

• Replace filters every 1 to 3 months depending on dust and pets
• Keep outdoor units clear of snow and leaves
• Schedule professional tune-ups ahead of peak seasons
• Test CO detectors monthly and replace units every 5 to 7 years

Emerald’s Comfy for Life membership advertises free annual maintenance, no trip or diagnostic charges, all repairs covered per program terms, no overtime fees, and free air filters. Our Premier Program includes maintenance, consumable parts like filters and UV bulbs, and covered repairs with a standard 10-year term. Premier customers typically receive dispatch within 24 hours or less.

Step-by-step reset checklists

Use these quick lists when your heat stops.

1. All systems
2. • Thermostat Heat mode, raise setpoint
   • Replace filter, check power switch and breaker
   • Inspect condensate drain on high-efficiency units
   • Power-cycle for 60 seconds, then test
2. Gas furnace
3. • Verify gas valve on and intake/exhaust clear
   • Listen for inducer, igniter, burner, blower sequence
   • Do not force more than one reset cycle
3. Boiler
4. • Confirm water level and pressure are normal
   • Purge air from radiators if cold
   • One press only on burner reset
4. Heat pump/mini-split
5. • Clear snow and ice around outdoor unit
   • Cycle indoor breaker and outdoor disconnect
   • Wait through defrost or compressor delays

If any step reveals a safety issue, stop and call immediately.

What Emerald brings on the first visit

We do fast, accurate diagnostics with stocked trucks. Expect:

• A licensed, uniformed technician who respects your home
• Upfront flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
• Tests of safeties, sensors, gas pressure, and airflow
• Options for repair, membership coverage, or replacement with rebates

Two hard facts that matter to WNY homeowners:

• Our Premier Program has a standard 10-year term with options at the end to upgrade or extend.
• Lennox rebates can be as high as $1,150, and National Fuel furnace rebates are often $600 for qualifying units.

Local insight: Buffalo winters and your system

Lake-effect snow can block sidewall vents and fresh air intakes, causing pressure switch faults and lockouts. Keep these clear by at least 12 inches. In Depew, Lancaster, and Orchard Park where driveways drift, check the outdoor heat pump unit after storms. Clear the top, not just the sides, and avoid chipping ice from the coil to prevent damage.

Quick reference: symptoms and likely causes

• Furnace runs but cold air only
• • Possible causes: failed igniter, no gas, tripped limit from clogged filter
• Boiler radiators gurgle and stay cool
• • Likely air lock or low water level
• Heat pump cycles without heat in freezing weather
• • May be in defrost, have a sensor fault, or lack refrigerant
• System clicks but never lights
• • Check flame sensor, pressure switch, or blocked vent

If this sounds like your home, book a diagnostic. We service Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Hamburg, Lancaster, Orchard Park, North Tonawanda, Grand Island, Lockport, East Amherst, and Depew.

Special Offers for WNY Homeowners

• Save $1,800 on a qualifying gas furnace, plus get a FREE Wi‑Fi smart thermostat. Includes a $600 National Fuel rebate, a $600 Emerald instant rebate, and a $600 federal tax credit. Install and eligibility required. Expires 12/31/2025.
• Up to $2,000 back when pairing a high-efficiency heat pump with a furnace, subject to federal credits and program rules. Call for details.
• $100 off any new furnace or AC unit. Not combinable with other offers. Expires 02/04/2026.
• Up to $4,400 in bundle savings on qualifying furnace and AC installed together by 12/31/2025.
• 10% off an air cleaner or humidifier with a furnace or AC purchase. Expires 02/04/2026.

Call (716) 671-7636 and mention “Heat Reset Savings” or schedule at https://www.emeraldheating.com/ to check eligibility and stack available rebates.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Today I had an issue with the heating system in my home... a very nice young man named Alex came to my home, found the problem and fixed the issue! I highly recommend Emerald Heating and Cooling for all your heating and cooling needs!"
–WNY Homeowner

"They had no heat as their furnace was leaking carbon monoxide... Caleb came over within 2 hours... Kevin and crew came and installed the furnace. No mess! No issues!... my family thanks you for being an amazing company to service WNY."
–WNY Homeowner

"Emerald Heating & Cooling were EXCELLENT!!! My furnace stopped heating the house and the weather outside was horrible... They showed up on time and took care of the problem."
–WNY Homeowner

"Very professional & skillful technicians. Removal of old boiler, replacement, set-up and clean-up and all in a day’s work."
–WNY Homeowner

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times should I try to reset my furnace?

Once. Power-cycle the furnace and thermostat one time. If it fails again, stop and call a pro to avoid safety risks.

Is it safe to press the red reset button on my burner?

Press it only once. Multiple presses can flood the combustion chamber with fuel, which is unsafe.

Why does my heat pump blow cool air during freezing weather?

It may be in defrost mode. Give it up to 10 minutes. If it continues, you could have a sensor or refrigerant issue.

Can a dirty filter really stop heat?

Yes. A clogged filter can trip the high-limit switch, lock the furnace, and damage components over time.

Do you offer emergency heating service in Buffalo?

Yes. We provide 24/7 live answering and fast local response. Premier members typically see dispatch within 24 hours or less.

Bottom Line

You can often restore comfort with a safe, simple reset. If your system still trips or shows errors, call Emerald for fast, accurate diagnostics and manufacturer-spec repairs. For reliable help with how to reset heating system controls in Buffalo and nearby towns, we are ready to serve.

Schedule Now

Get same-day help when possible, 24/7 live answering, and access to rebates. Call (716) 671-7636 or book at https://www.emeraldheating.com/. Mention “Heat Reset Savings” to check eligibility for up to $1,800 off a qualifying furnace and a free smart thermostat.

About Emerald Heating & Cooling

Family owned in WNY, Emerald Heating & Cooling delivers licensed, manufacturer-spec installations and repairs by certified technicians. We offer 24/7 live answering, flat-rate pricing, clean job sites, and a 100% satisfaction promise. Our teams service furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps across Buffalo and nearby towns. Ask about our Premier Program with a standard 10-year term and our Comfy for Life membership that covers annual maintenance and more.