How to Reset an Air Conditioner That Won’t Work
It’s a hot summer day in Fort Lauderdale, and you’re grateful you have central air conditioning. But then you notice your AC behaving oddly or not cooling like it is supposed to. Before you panic, try resetting your AC. This simple step often fixes minor issues and gets your system back up and running.
Why Would I Have to Reset My Central Air?
All air conditioning systems have a protection circuit breaker. This safety device prevents electrical accidents, such as fires or explosions, that could happen from power surges or outages. When the circuit trips, resetting your home’s AC becomes necessary to get it running again.
Another reason you may need to reset the AC is if your unit is blowing warm air when it is supposed to be cooling. In cases like this, the culprit might be a thermostat problem. Sometimes, a simple reset is all it takes to resolve the situation.
Then again, it’s crucial to approach this job with caution. If you’re uneasy about resetting the AC all by yourself, contact 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 proceeding.
5 Strategies for Resetting Your Home’s AC
When minor issues develop, a reset is a good way to start off to try and fix it. Here are five simple tips to reset an air conditioner.
1. Reset the Circuit Breaker
Your home’s electrical panel contains the breakers for all your electrical circuits, including a dedicated one for your heating and cooling system. If the cooling system is having problems following a power surge or outage, try this method first.
Find the electrical panel—often found in the garage, basement, crawlspace or utility closet—and search for the switch for your HVAC system. If the circuits aren’t identified, you might have to experiment. Flick the circuit breaker off, wait 30 minutes, and then flip it back on. Now, turn the AC back on, make sure that the thermostat is set to “cool” and observe how the unit functions.
2. Press the Reset Button
If your cooling system has a reset switch, this is the easiest way to clear any slight glitches in the system. This small, red button is probably on or near the exterior condensing unit, perhaps under a panel marked “Reset”. If you are not able to find it, reference your AC’s owner’s manual or pull one up online.
Use these tips to reset an air conditioner using the reset button:
1. Switch your thermostat to the “off” setting.
2. Flip the circuit breaker that powers your AC.
3. Push and hold the reset button for three to five seconds.
4. Restore power to your AC by flipping the circuit breaker back on.
5. Then, set the thermostat to “cool” and select a temperature slightly colder than the current indoor temperature. The air conditioner should come to life in just a few seconds. If the air blowing from the registers is cool, you’re ready to go!
3. Flick the Isolation Switch
If you aren’t able to locate a reset button, search for the isolation switch that is usually found around the outdoor unit. This safety feature lets you shut off power to the air conditioning system when the unit malfunctions without compromising the rest of your home’s electricity. It typically looks 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 AC unit from power, allowing all electrical components to reset.
4. Unplug the Air Conditioner
Is your AC still not performing right? The next AC reset technique is to unplug the system. First, identify the shutoff panel near the outdoor unit and cut the power to the compressor. Next, unplug the air conditioning equipment 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 equipment a fresh start. If your cooling system still won’t work correctly after plugging it back in, the socket could be defective. You’ll need a heating and cooling specialist to repair this situation.
5. Hire a Expert
When you can’t seem to make any headway, or you’re not feeling confident in trying the DIY tips above, hiring a professional is your best bet. A certified HVAC contractor can reset your system using particular tools and diagnose underlying issues that might not be fixed with a simple reset.
Air Conditioner Still Not Working? Call the Professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
If you’ve tried resetting your air conditioning 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, long-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! Contact us at 954-736-4314 today to get your cooling system back on track!
