How to Reset an Air Conditioner That Won’t Work
It’s a hot summer day in Fort Lauderdale, and you’re thankful you have central air conditioning. But then you discover your AC behaving oddly or not cooling as it should. Before you fret, try resetting your air conditioner. This quick step often fixes small issues and gets your system operating normally again.
Why Would I Have to Reset My Home’s AC?
All air conditioning systems have a protection circuit breaker. This safety device prevents electrical problems, such as fires or explosions, that could arise from power surges or outages. When the circuit trips, resetting your central air conditioning is likely going to be necessary to get it operating again.
Another thing that could lead you to have to reset the AC is if your unit is blowing warm air when it is supposed to be blowing cold air. In this situation, the culprit might be a thermostat problem. At times, a simple reset is all it takes to resolve the situation.
Although, it’s important to approach this job with caution. If you’re uneasy about resetting the AC all by yourself, reach out to a professional for help. Additionally, it’s important to realize that tampering with your unit’s internal elements might void your warranty, so always check the guidelines before going ahead.
5 Strategies for Resetting the AC
When simple issues develop, a reset is a good place to start off to try and fix it. Here are five simple tips to reset an air conditioner.
1. Reset Your Circuit Breaker
Your home’s electrical panel houses the breakers for all your electrical circuits, including a specific one for your home comfort system. If the AC is having problems after a power surge or outage, try this approach first.
Locate the electrical panel—often found in the garage, basement, crawlspace or utility closet—and try to find the switch for your HVAC system. If the circuits aren’t marked, you might have to figure out on your own which switch controls your HVAC. Flip the circuit breaker off, wait 30 minutes, and then flip it on again. Then, turn the air conditioner back on, verify that the thermostat is set to “cool” and take note of how the unit operates.
2. Hit the Reset Button
If your cooling system has a reset button, this is probably the quickest way to clear any small bugs in the system. This small, red button is probably on or near the outdoor condensing unit, sometimes under a panel marked “Reset”. If you are not able to find it, reference your unit’s owner’s manual or pull one up online.
Use these tips to reset your cooling system using the reset button:
1. Set your thermostat to the “off” setting.
2. Flip the circuit breaker that powers your HVAC.
3. Click and hold the reset button for three to five seconds.
4. Turn on the power to your AC by flipping the circuit breaker back on.
5. Finally, set the thermostat to “cool” and pick a temperature slightly less than the current indoor temperature. The AC should turn on in a few seconds. If the air coming from the registers is cool, you’re good to go!
3. Flip the Isolation Switch
If you aren’t able to locate a reset button, go for the isolation switch that is typically in the vicinity of the exterior unit. This safety feature allows you to cut off power to the AC when the unit malfunctions without compromising the rest of your home’s electricity. It should look like a dial with an “on” and “off” position.
Turn the isolation switch off, wait 30 to 60 minutes and then turn it back on. This manual reboot totally disconnects your air conditioning from power, allowing all electrical elements to reset.
4. Unplug the AC
Is your AC still not working right? The next air conditioning reset technique is to unplug the system. First, locate the shutoff panel near the outside unit and cut the power to the compressor. And then, unplug the air conditioner from the power supply board. Leave the unit unplugged for a minimum of 30 minutes to let any residual charge dissipate from the internal components, clearing any errors and giving the system a fresh start. If your air conditioning still won’t work correctly after plugging it back in, the socket could be defective. You’ll need a professional to repair this situation.
5. Work with a Professional
When all else fails, or you’re unsure about trying the DIY tips above, hiring a pro is your best bet. A certified HVAC contractor can reset your system using particular tools and diagnose underlying issues that might not be solved with a simple reset.
Air Conditioning Still Not Working? Call the Skilled Team at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
If you’ve made an attempt at resetting your air conditioning yourself and it’s still not working, don’t worry—Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Our ACE-certified technicians provide reliable, lasting AC repair, with your satisfaction guaranteed. If you’re not entirely happy with our AC services in Fort Lauderdale, we’ll make it right! Get a hold of us at 954-736-4314 today so we can make your home a more comfortable place!
