To reset your furnace thermostat, first turn the system OFF. Then, perform a quick power cycle at the circuit breaker or a factory reset on the device itself, depending on your model.
Quickly resolve your furnace thermostat issue by checking the basics first: replace the thermostat's batteries, confirm the system is set to "Heat," and verify the thermostat is set 5∘F higher than the current room temperature. If this does not work, move on to the troubleshooting steps below.
Whether a thermostat has a reset button depends entirely on its make and model. Many modern smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee) have a reset option in their on-screen settings, while some digital models have a recessed button you must press with a paperclip. Other models require a specific button combination, or a battery/circuit breaker flip.
To reset a furnace, lower your thermostat to the lowest setting. Turn off power using the furnace's emergency switch or circuit breaker. Wait 2-5 minutes, turn the power back on, and adjust your thermostat. If the furnace locked out due to a safety issue, you may need to press the reset button.
To reset an unresponsive thermostat, start by performing a power cycle or soft reset: turn off the HVAC breaker in your home's electrical panel for 30–60 seconds, then flip it back on. This will reboot the system without erasing your saved schedules or Wi-Fi settings.
To reset your furnace thermostat, first turn the system OFF. Then, perform a quick power cycle at the circuit breaker or a factory reset on the device itself, depending on your model.
First, check your thermostat for any operational lights and then check your boiler control panel for faults. If you have a boiler fault, check your manual to learn more about what to do. You may have to call a heating engineer. If the thermostat or boiler is non-responsive, then you may have a power issue.
All furnaces are equipped with a reset button. They are generally red or yellow and are located inside the blower compartment. The reset button is a safety feature that will shut down the furnace when a problem is detected, often a hot or overheating furnace, before it trips the circuit breaker.
The most expensive thing to fix on a furnace is the heat exchanger. Replacing it typically costs between $𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎 and $𝟑,𝟓𝟎𝟎, primarily because it is a highly labor-intensive job that involves virtually dismantling the entire unit.
To reset a furnace, turn it off at the breaker or the service switch and wait for 1 to 5 minutes. While some sources suggest as little as 10–30 seconds, a slightly longer wait ensures the electrical components fully discharge, allowing the circuit board and safety limits to reset properly.
Locating the Reset Button
To find it, you should first turn off your HVAC system to ensure safety. Remove the thermostat cover by either snapping it off or unscrewing it, depending on the model. Most modern thermostats will have a clearly marked reset button inside the panel.
You know your thermostat needs a reset when your HVAC system behaves erratically, displays an error code, or fails to respond to setting changes. A quick reset clears temporary software glitches or restores settings altered by a power outage.
Resetting your thermostat usually clears glitchy settings or a frozen screen. The fastest ways are a system power cycle (turning off the HVAC breaker for 30 seconds), using the factory reset menu on smart models, or flipping the thermostat's batteries for 5 seconds.
The most common cause of thermostat failure is natural wear and tear from age, which causes mechanical or electronic components to degrade, stick, or lose calibration over time.
To force your furnace to start, check the thermostat settings and make sure they are calling for heat. Then, verify the power sources, including the main circuit breaker, the safety power switch near the furnace, and the access panel door. Finally, replace any clogged air filters.
Labor and minor repairs
Basic repairs on a thermostat—such as replacing batteries, cleaning contacts, or securing loose wiring—generally cost between $200 and $300, according to industry estimates.
What fails first on a furnace? The most common early failures are the furnace ignitor or flame sensor, as they experience regular wear and tear and are critical to starting the heating cycle.
A furnace typically lasts between 15 and 20 years. However, the exact lifespan varies based on the type of unit and how well it is maintained.
Homeowners insurance may cover the cost to repair or replace your furnace or boiler if it's damaged or destroyed by a covered peril. Covered perils as defined by your policy typically include events such as: Lightning. Fire.
You should only press your furnace's reset button once or twice.
Signs of a failing furnace include unexpectedly high energy bills, uneven heating, strange noises (grinding or banging), and short cycling (turning on and off rapidly). Additionally, yellow pilot flames or a smell of burning electrical components indicate critical safety hazards that require immediate professional attention.
To reset a furnace, lower your thermostat to the lowest setting. Turn off power using the furnace's emergency switch or circuit breaker. Wait 2-5 minutes, turn the power back on, and adjust your thermostat. If the furnace locked out due to a safety issue, you may need to press the reset button.
A communication failure between your furnace and thermostat is usually caused by dead batteries, tripped safety switches, loose wiring, or a dirty air filter triggering a system lockout.
Who to call if the thermostat is not working. If your thermostat isn't working and your house is getting cold or unbearably hot because the HVAC system isn't running, you need to call an HVAC professional.
A "blown" thermostat can refer to either a car engine thermostat or a home HVAC thermostat. The signs and testing methods for each depend on where it is installed.