How to restart or reset Ideal boilers: Everything you need to know

At one point or another, you've probably noticed a reset button on your Ideal boiler but may not know exactly when or how you should use it. The following guide will tell you everything you need to know about resetting your boiler and why you should.

Where is the reset button on an Ideal boiler?

Before resetting your Ideal boiler, it is essential to know precisely where the reset button is and what it looks like. The location varies depending on the model, but most reset buttons can be found underneath the display or by going into the settings menu. You can find out exactly where yours is in the boiler’s user manual.

When to reset your Ideal boiler

For comfortable central heating and a consistent supply of hot water, your boiler has to be operational throughout the entire year. Mechanical or electrical breakdowns can be a serious inconvenience, not to mention pricey. That's why regular boiler services are so important to help keep your boiler in top working condition.

If your boiler has stopped working, you'll encounter a boiler lockout which is basically a safety feature designed to prevent a dangerous situation. You may also have to reset your boiler and central heating system if there's been a power cut.

During the lockout state, the digital display may show a fault code. A fault code or error code can then be looked up in the user manual to see what the problem may be.

Resetting your boiler can sometimes usually fix the problem and clear fault codes but some issues will require the expertise of a Gas Safe Engineer, especially if it’s a recurring problem.

Can I reset a boiler myself?

Once you have located the reset button and you know what you're doing, it is relatively straightforward to reset a boiler yourself. Over time, this knowledge will save you time, money and hassle. 

Is it safe to reset your boiler?

Resetting your boiler is completely safe if done properly. Modern boilers have a number of built-in features to ensure the safety of a user, so sometimes your boiler may not allow a reset. 

If this is the case, don't attempt to force matters by pushing the reset button multiple times, as this can cause further problems.

How to reset your Ideal boiler

Reset procedures will vary depending on the exact model of your Ideal boiler but most modern boilers have a dedicated reset button.

Regardless of your boiler model, always make sure that you read its accompanying boiler manual before performing a reset.

You can use the following steps to reset your Ideal boiler:

Esprit Eco 2

Simultaneously press the select and arrow up button together for 2 seconds the will reset the boiler  

Logic

Turn the control knob to the reset position, and then immediately turn back to the setting of your choice.

Logic+

Simply press the dedicated reset button underneath the digital display.

Vogue Max

Simply press the dedicated reset button underneath the digital display.

What happens after you reset your boiler

If your boiler has been reset successfully then the flame will ignite in the boiler and it will begin operating as normal. The reset should also clear any error codes and, if your model has an indicator light, it will probably glow a steady green.

Upon initially hitting the reset button, you'll probably have to wait around two to three minutes as the reset sequence can be quite lengthy. Avoid pressing the reset button out of impatience during this time as it could cause further problems.

If the reset has finished and the error code hasn't been cleared, then you can perform a follow-up reset. If that doesn't work, then you should get in touch with a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Common Ideal boiler problems

Regardless of the type of boiler you have, it’s likely that you’ll encounter a problem at some stage. It might not be a major issue or anything that requires an expensive fix, but it’s important that you address any problems promptly in order to prevent them from escalating into something bigger. 

Depending on the nature of your Ideal boiler's fault, you may or may not need a heating engineer. If you're unsure about anything, then contact a Ges Registered Engineer.

To help give you an idea of what's gone wrong, here are a few common issues with Ideal boilers:

• Failure to ignite - If your Ideal boiler fails to ignite three times, it'll lockout. This is typically indicated by an orange light on the boiler's display.

• Blank Display - A blank display screen usually means that there is no power going to your boiler or that a specific component is malfunctioning.

• Loud ignition noise - This can be quite alarming but generally only happens when there is too much gas in the chamber before ignition.

• Unusual noises - If you hear a gurgling sound while your boiler is operating, then the waterways between the boiler and condensate are probably blocked.

Or in freezing weather conditions the condensate may be frozen. Not sure? Check out our complete guide on fixing a frozen boiler condensate pipe.

• No hot water - Fixing this may be as simple as checking the hot water temperature on the front of the boiler and then ensuring that the isolation valve beneath the boiler is open and the water is on.

• Low water pressure - The pressure on your Ideal boiler should always be at about 1.5 bar or in the green zone; this can be checked by looking at the pressure gauge. Boiler pressure does decrease over time but, if you notice a dramatic decrease, it may be the result of a leak or radiator bleeding. Check out our complete guide on boiler pressure to find out more.

• Flame loss - Flame loss can be caused by a faulty fan, insufficient gas supply, malfunctioning electrical components, and low gas pressure.

When to call a professional

When in doubt about anything to do with your boiler, the safest and most reliable option is to get in touch with a professional boiler engineer. 

For additional help with questions about Ideal boilers and other central heating systems, contact BOXT’s customer service team where one of our experts will be happy to give you advice that’s tailored to your home’s heating.

Gas Safe registered engineers

When hiring a professional, ensure that they’re a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should always read your user manual to better understand the fault code and double-check components such as your gas and electric supply well before you call for help, as sometimes the issue can be straightforward to fix.