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 find your air conditioning equipment behaving oddly or not cooling like it is supposed to. Before you fret, try resetting your AC. This easy step often fixes minor issues and gets your system working again.
Why Would I Have to Reset My Home’s AC?
All air conditioning systems have a protection circuit breaker. This safety apparatus helps prevent electrical accidents, such as fires or explosions, that could happen from power surges or outages. When the circuit trips, resetting your central air conditioning is likely going to be necessary to get it running again.
Another time to reset the AC is if your unit is blowing warm air when it should be cooling. In cases like this, the reason might be a thermostat malfunction. Occasionally, a simple reset is all it takes to correct the problem.
Although, it’s crucial to approach this task with caution. If you’re uneasy about resetting the AC all by yourself, get in touch with a professional for help. Also, be aware that tampering with your unit’s internal components might void your warranty, so always check the guidelines before attempting this type of work.
5 Tips for Resetting an Air Conditioner
When simple issues develop, a reset is a good place to start. Here are five methods for resetting the AC.
1. Reset the Circuit Breaker
Your home’s electrical panel contains the breakers for all your electrical circuits, including a specified one for your heating and cooling system. If the central air is having problems following a power surge or outage, try this strategy first.
Find 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 identified, you might have to try things out. Flick the circuit breaker off, wait 30 minutes, and then flip it on again. Next, turn the AC back on, verify that the thermostat is set to “cool” and observe how the unit operates.
2. Press the Reset Button
If your cooling system has a reset switch, this is the easiest way to clear any small bugs in the system. This small, red button is often located on or near the exterior condensing unit, potentially under a panel marked “Reset”. If you can’t find it, reference your physical owner’s manual or find one online.
Use these tips to reset an air conditioner using the reset button:
1. Switch your thermostat to the “off” setting.
2. Turn off the circuit breaker that powers your AC.
3. Click and hold the reset button for three to five seconds.
4. Restore power to your AC by turning the circuit breaker back on.
5. Finally, set the thermostat to “cool” and set it to a temperature slightly lower than the current indoor temperature. The AC should come to life in just a few seconds. If the air being blown from the registers feels cool, you’re good to go!
3. Turn the Isolation Switch
If you aren’t able to locate a reset button, go for the isolation switch near the exterior unit. This safety feature lets you turn off power to the air conditioner when the unit malfunctions without affecting the rest of your home’s electricity. It should look like a dial with an “on” and “off” position.
Shut off your system by hitting the isolation switch, wait 30 to 60 minutes and then flip the switch again to power it back up. This manual reboot fully disconnects your AC unit from power, allowing all electrical equipment to reset.
4. Unplug the Unit
Is your air conditioning system still not performing as expected? The next air conditioning reset technique is to unplug the equipment. First, locate the shutoff panel near the outdoor unit and shut off the power to the compressor. Next, unplug the air conditioner from the power supply board. Leave the unit unplugged for at least 30 minutes to let any residual charge dissipate from the internal components, clearing any errors and giving the HVAC a brand-new start. If your AC still won’t work correctly after plugging it back in, the socket could be bad. You’ll need a technician to fix this problem.
5. Contact a Pro
When all else fails, or you’re uncomfortable doing the DIY tips above, hiring a pro is your best bet. A certified HVAC tech can reset your system using specialized tools and diagnose underlying issues that might not be resolved with a simple reset.
Air Conditioner Still Not Working? Call the Pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
If you’ve made an attempt at resetting your air conditioner yourself and it’s still not functioning, don’t worry—Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Our ACE-certified technicians provide high-quality, 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! Call us at 954-736-4314 today to experience the difference we can make in your life and comfort level!
