Can you reset a boiler too many times?

Author: Margarett Wisozk  |  Last update: Friday, August 22, 2025

Only press the reset button once – You may damage the control panel if you repeatedly press the button – which could lead to an expensive repair. Hold the reset button for 3 seconds before releasing – You should be able to tell if your boiler has been reset properly as it will usually display a flashing green light.

How many times can I reset my boiler?

Call a professional

If you have tried to reset the boiler three times, and it still hasn't restarted, then you probably have a fault with the boiler. You should call a gas engineer in to diagnose and repair the underlying fault.

Is it safe to keep resetting a boiler?

Do not restart it again. It goes into lockout because it is not igniting the oil that is being pumped into the burner. To much oil pooled up in the system with an ignition could result in an explosion.

How many times can I hit the reset button on my furnace?

You should not reset the burner more than two or three times, the reason is you may be pumping some fuel into the heat exchanger that is not igniting.

Can I turn my boiler off and on again?

We know it's no fun waking up to a cold home. But turning it off and then firing it up again in the morning could also mean your boiler needs to work harder – and use more energy. You won't necessarily lose money from doing this each night and morning, but it's unlikely that you'll save money either.

How to Reset Your Ideal Heating Boiler

Does turning boiler on and off damage it?

That being said, depending on the type of heating system that you have and how old it is, switching it off for long periods of time could trigger an issue with your central heating. For example, it could cause elements such as the pump or valve to seize up.

Why is my boiler not working after reset?

If you've attempted to reset your boiler 3 times and it's still not working, then you have a fault with your boiler. In this case you should call a Gas Safe registered engineer to diagnose the problem and make any repairs.

Why does my furnace keep needing reset?

If a furnace isn't receiving enough airflow, it may overheat and trigger the reset button to trip. Make sure to clean or replace the air filters and keep the air vents open enough for proper airflow. Occasionally, the flame sensor rod may be coated with dirt and debris, causing the furnace to shut off.

How long to leave furnace off to reset?

Leave the breaker(s) off for at least 10 minutes while the system is off and “rebooting.” After 10 minutes have elapsed, go back to the breaker box and flip the HVAC breaker(s) back on.

Why do I have to keep pressing the reset button on my oil boiler?

Sometimes, there has just been a glitch or a false reading, and resetting the boiler will solve the problem and it will be back to normal again. However, if it constantly trips, it's more likely that there's a problem with pressure, temperature or flow, which could mean an issue with the pump or the heat exchanger.

Can I reset my boiler myself?

Consult your boiler manual for specific reset instructions for your model. For most models, you will need to press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. If the boiler continues to lock out or display fault codes, it's advisable to call a gas-safe registered engineer to investigate further.

Why do boilers break so often?

Over time, boiler parts can start to deteriorate and rust. This deterioration can prevent water flowing through the boiler properly and causing it to break down. To help prevent this kind of breakdown, you should ensure you have your boiler serviced at least once a year.

Is it OK to keep resetting boiler?

Don't be tempted to ignore constant boiler resets. The underlying fault will invariably lead to problems, maybe even boiler breakdown in the future.

Can you overwork a boiler?

Simply put, for a boiler to heat the water efficiently, the pressure has to remain at the ideal level. Low pressure can cause the system to shut down, whilst combi boiler pressure is too high can overwork the system and cause it to fail. For this reason, it's crucial to check pressure levels and keep them regulated.

How long does it take for hot water to come back after resetting boiler?

Average Water Heater Recovery Times

60-70 minutes (for a gas tank water heater). 120 minutes (for an electric tank water heater).

Can I turn my furnace off and back on?

Find the switch mounted on or near the furnace and turn the power off. If you can't find a switch at the furnace you can turn off the circuit breaker to the furnace at the main circuit breaker box. Wait about 10 seconds. Turn the switch or breaker back on and check the furnace to see that it has power again.

How do you know if your primary control is bad?

If the lights are still illuminated or flashing with the flame sensor wires disconnected, the primary control is defective and should be replaced.

Is it safe to hit the reset button on a furnace?

Mind the safety lock. When resetting your furnace, make sure to press the button only once to avoid engaging the safety lock. Reach out to professionals. In most cases, the safest course of action is to contact your go-to HVAC company if your furnace doesn't work after a power outage.

Why does my heater keep tripping the reset button?

Overheating is the number one cause of reset button trips. If your furnace is cloistered somewhere where there isn't enough airflow, it may become overheated repeatedly, leading to frequent reset button trips. No Fuel.

How do I fix my furnace that keeps shutting off?

Fortunately, this is easy to resolve.
  1. Change The Air Filters. Dirty Air Filter. ...
  2. Open Some Vents. You may have closed a few air vents in the past to block the warm air when your room got too hot. ...
  3. Check The Setting. ...
  4. Check Thermostat Communication With The Furnace. ...
  5. Check Thermostat Placement.

How do you know if your furnace needs to be reset?

Why Your Furnace May Need To Be Reset
  1. The furnace has overheated: When your furnace runs too hot, it triggers a safety shut-off to prevent damage. ...
  2. The fuel supply is empty: Your furnace can't generate heat without fuel. ...
  3. The gas valve is shut: A closed valve blocks the fuel supply.

What are the most common boiler problems?

Below, we list some of the most common boiler issues and outline their potential causes and their possible fixes:
  • The pilot light keeps going out.
  • The boiler is making noises (Gurgling, whistling or banging)
  • No heating or hot water.
  • Boiler is leaking.
  • Low boiler pressure.
  • Radiators are cold.
  • Boiler is kettling.

How long should a boiler take to reset?

Usually, a boiler will reset in 2 to 3 minutes. Some boilers have a longer reset sequence, and could take around 5 to 10 minutes to power up. If you're confident that you've fixed the fault and reset your boiler, but it's still not switching on, then contact a professional. They'll help you find and fix the problem.

Why is my boiler on but no heating?

Sometimes when your boiler is working but your radiators are not heating, the most likely culprit is a malfunctioning boiler pump or central heating controls. If your boiler is running but your radiators are chilly, make sure the thermostat or timer is set appropriately.

Previous article
Can you silence a low battery fire alarm?
Next article
How long does it take to install 1000 sq ft of hardwood floor?