Cold Air Not Flowing? 5 Easy Ways to Reset Your Air Conditioner
It’s a hot summer day in the U.S., and you’re relieved you have central air conditioning. But then you find your air conditioning equipment behaving oddly or not cooling as it should. Before you fret, try resetting your AC. This quick step often fixes minor issues and gets your system operating normally again.
Why Would I Need to Reset My Central Air?
All air conditioning systems have a protection circuit breaker. This safety mechanism stops electrical accidents, such as fires or explosions, that could arise from power surges or outages. When the circuit trips, resetting your air conditioner is necessary to get it working 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 cooling. In this case, the culprit might be a thermostat malfunction. Sometimes, a simple reset is all it takes to correct the issue.
Although, it’s crucial to approach this job with caution. If you’re uneasy about resetting the AC yourself, reach out to a professional for assistance. Additionally, it's important to realize that tampering with your unit’s internal elements might void your warranty, so always check the guidelines before attempting this type of work.
5 Methods for Resetting the AC
When small issues develop, a reset is a good place to start off to try and fix it. Here are five simple tips to reset the AC.
1. Reset the Circuit Breaker
Your home’s electrical panel houses the breakers for all your electrical circuits, including a dedicated one for your home comfort system. If the AC is having difficulty following a power surge or outage, try this method first.
Identify the electrical panel—commonly found in the garage, basement, crawlspace or utility closet—and search for the switch for your HVAC system. If the circuits aren’t labeled, you might have to experiment. Flip the circuit breaker off, wait 30 minutes, and then flip it . Then, turn the AC back on, make sure that the thermostat is set to “cool” and observe how the unit performs.
2. Press the Reset Button
If your air conditioner has a reset control, this is the easiest way to clear any slight bugs in the system. This small, red button is likely on or near the outside condensing unit, sometimes under a panel marked “Reset”. If you can't find it, reference your AC's owner’s manual or find a digital copy online.
Use these tips to reset an AC using the reset button:
- Turn your thermostat to the “off” setting.
- Turn off the circuit breaker that powers your HVAC.
- Click and hold the reset button for three to five seconds.
- Restore power to your AC by flicking the circuit breaker back on.
- Finally, set the thermostat to “cool” and set it to a temperature slightly colder than the current indoor temperature. The air conditioner should come to life in just a few seconds. If the air being blown from the registers is cool, you’re ready to go!
3. Flick the Isolation Switch
If you can't find the reset button, look for the isolation switch that is typically in the vicinity of the outside unit. This safety feature lets you turn off power to the AC when the unit malfunctions without affecting 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 air conditioning from power, allowing all electrical equipment to reset.
4. Unplug the AC
Is your AC still not performing as expected? The next AC reset strategy is to unplug the equipment. First, locate the shutoff panel near the outside unit and shut off the power to the compressor. Next, 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 equipment a new start. If your air conditioning still won't work correctly after plugging it back in, the socket could be faulty. You’ll need a technician to correct this issue.
5. Work with a Professional
If nothing else works, or you’re not feeling confident in attempting 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 Conditioner Still Not Working? Call the Pros at (866) 963-7996
If you’ve made an attempt at resetting your AC yourself and it’s still not working, don’t worry—Service Experts is here to help. Our ACE-certified technicians provide efficient, durable AC repair, with your satisfaction guaranteed. If you’re not totally happy with our AC services in the U.S., we’ll make it right! Call us at (866) 963-7996 today so we can make your home a more comfortable place!
