How to Reset an Air Conditioner That Won’t Work
It’s a sweltering summer day in Edmonton, and you’re grateful 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 stress, try resetting your air conditioner. This easy step often fixes little 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 prevents electrical mishaps, 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 reason you may need to reset the AC is if your unit is blowing warm air when it ought to be producing cool air. In cases like this, the culprit might be a thermostat malfunction. Sometimes, a simple reset is all it takes to resolve the issue.
Then again, it’s crucial to approach this task with caution. If you’re uneasy about resetting the AC all by yourself, reach out to a professional for peace of mind. Additionally, be aware that tampering with your unit’s internal parts might void your warranty, so always check the guidelines before going ahead.
5 Methods for Resetting Your Home’s AC
When minor issues develop, a reset is a good place to get started. Here are five methods for resetting the AC.
1. Reset the Circuit Breaker
Your home’s electrical panel has the breakers for all your electrical circuits, including a specified one for your heating and cooling system. If the AC is having trouble after a power surge or outage, try this method first.
Locate the electrical panel—often found in the garage, basement, crawlspace or utility closet—and look for the switch labeled for your HVAC system. If the circuits aren’t identified, 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, make sure that the thermostat is set to “cool” and observe how the unit works.
2. Hit the Reset Button
If your AC has a reset switch, this is probably the quickest way to clear any small glitches in the system. This small, red button is likely 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.
Here are ways to reset your cooling system using the reset button:
1. Turn your thermostat to the “off” setting.
2. Hit the circuit breaker that powers your AC.
3. Push and hold the reset button for three to five seconds.
4. Turn on the power to your AC by flicking the circuit breaker back on.
5. Finally, set the thermostat to “cool” and pick a temperature slightly lower than the current indoor temperature. The AC should start up within a few seconds. If the air coming from the registers is nice and cool, you’re good to go!
3. Flip the Isolation Switch
If you don’t see a reset button, go for the isolation switch that is usually found around the outdoor 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.
Power down the AC by flipping the isolation switch, wait 30 to 60 minutes and then turn it back on. This manual reboot totally disconnects your air conditioning from power, allowing all electrical hardware to reset.
4. Unplug the Unit
Is your AC still not operating right? The next air conditioner reset technique is to unplug the unit. First, find the shutoff panel near the exterior unit and cut the power to the compressor. Then, 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 HVAC a clean start. If your AC still fails to work after plugging it back in, the socket could be defective. You’ll need a technician to fix this problem.
5. Contact a Pro
When all else fails, or you’re not feeling confident in trying the DIY tips above, hiring a pro is your best bet. A certified HVAC tech can reset your system using particular tools and diagnose underlying issues that might not be resolved with a simple reset.
AC Still Not Working? Call the Pros at Rob's Albertan Service Experts
If you’ve tried resetting your air conditioner yourself and it’s still not running correctly, don’t worry—Rob's Albertan Service Experts is here to help. Our certified technicians provide reliable, lasting AC repair, with your satisfaction guaranteed. If you’re not entirely happy with our AC services in Edmonton, we’ll make it right! Contact us at 780-800-9047 today to experience the difference we can make in your life and comfort level!
