AC Quit? Here’s How to Reset It
It’s a sweltering summer day in Windsor, and you’re grateful you have central air conditioning. But then you discover 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 small issues and gets your system working again.
Why Would I Have to Reset My Air Conditioner?
All air conditioning systems have a protection circuit breaker. This safety device helps prevent electrical problems, such as fires or explosions, that could develop from power surges or outages. When the circuit trips, resetting your air conditioner is likely going to be 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 blowing cold air. In cases like this, the reason might be a thermostat error. At times, a simple reset is all it takes to eliminate the situation.
However, it’s essential to approach this job with caution. If you’re uneasy about resetting the AC on your own, get in touch with a professional for help. Also, be aware that tampering with your unit’s internal elements might void your warranty, so always check the guidelines before attempting this type of work.
5 Tips for Resetting Your Home’s AC
When simple issues develop, a reset is a good place to start off to try and fix it. Here are five ways to reset your central air.
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 issues after a power surge or outage, try this method first.
Identify the electrical panel—commonly found in the garage, basement, crawlspace or utility closet—and find the switch for your HVAC system. If the circuits aren’t labeled, you might have to figure out on your own which switch controls your HVAC. Flick 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 see how the unit operates.
2. Press the Reset Button
If your AC has a reset control, this is the easiest way to clear any small errors in the system. This small, red button is probably on or near the outside condensing unit, perhaps under a panel marked “Reset”. If you cannot find it, reference your AC’s owner’s manual or find a digital copy online.
Follow these steps to reset an AC using the reset button:
1. Switch your thermostat to the “off” setting.
2. Hit the circuit breaker that powers your HVAC.
3. Push and hold the reset button for three to five seconds.
4. Restore power to your AC by turning the circuit breaker back on.
5. Last, set the thermostat to “cool” and select a temperature slightly colder than the current indoor temperature. The cooling system should start up within a few seconds. If the air blowing from the registers feels cool, you’re good to go!
3. Hit the Isolation Switch
If you can’t find the reset button, go for the isolation switch that is typically in the vicinity of the outside unit. This safety feature lets you shut off power to the air conditioning system 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 turn it on again. This manual reboot fully disconnects your AC unit from power, allowing all electrical equipment to reset.
4. Unplug the AC
Is your air conditioner still not performing right? The next air conditioning reset method is to unplug the system. First, locate the shutoff panel near the outside unit and turn 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 equipment a clean start. If your air conditioning still won’t work correctly after plugging it back in, the socket could be bad. You’ll need a technician to repair this problem.
5. Contact a Expert
If nothing else works, 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 special tools and diagnose underlying issues that might not be solved with a simple reset.
Air Conditioning Still Not Working? Call the Professionals at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts
If you’ve tried resetting your air conditioning yourself and it’s still not working, don’t worry—Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts is here to help. Our certified technicians provide reliable, durable AC repair, with your satisfaction guaranteed. If you’re not totally happy with our AC services in Windsor, we’ll make it right! Call us at 226-773-3357 today to experience the difference we can make in your life and comfort level!