How to Reset an Air Conditioner That Won’t Work
It’s a sweltering summer day in Canada, and you’re grateful you have central air conditioning. But then you find your air conditioning equipment behaving oddly or not cooling as it should. Before you stress, try resetting your air conditioner. This simple step often fixes small issues and gets your system operating normally again.
Why Would I Need to Reset My Home’s AC?
Every air conditioner has a protection circuit breaker. This safety apparatus stops 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 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 should be producing cool air. In this case, the root cause might be a thermostat malfunction. Occasionally, a simple reset is all it takes to resolve the issue.
Although, it’s important to approach this job with caution. If you’re uneasy about resetting the AC all by yourself, contact a professional for peace of mind. Also, be aware that tampering with your unit’s internal parts might void your warranty, so always check the guidelines before going ahead.
5 Tips for Resetting the AC
When small issues develop, a reset is a good way to get started. Here are five methods for resetting an air conditioner.
1. Reset the Circuit Breaker
Your home’s electrical panel has the breakers for all your electrical circuits, including a specified one for your HVAC system. If the central air is having difficulty as a result of a power surge or outage, try this approach first.
Identify the electrical panel—commonly found in the garage, basement, crawlspace or utility closet—and find the switch designated for your HVAC system. If the circuits aren’t marked, you might have to try things out. Flip the circuit breaker off, wait 30 minutes, and then flip it into “on” mode. Then, turn the air conditioner back on, verify that the thermostat is set to “cool” and see how the unit performs.
2. Hit the Reset Button
If your air conditioner has a reset switch, this is the easiest way to clear any small errors in the system. This small, red button is likely on or near the outside condensing unit, possibly under a panel marked “Reset”. If you cannot find it, reference your unit’s owner’s manual or find one online.
Here are ways to reset your cooling system using the reset button:
1. Set your thermostat to the “off” setting.
2. Flip the circuit breaker that powers your HVAC.
3. Press 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 set it to a temperature slightly less than the current indoor temperature. The air conditioner should turn on within a few seconds. If the air blowing from the registers feels cool, you’re good to go!
3. Flip the Isolation Switch
If you can’t find the reset button, go for the isolation switch that is typically in the vicinity of the outdoor unit. This safety feature allows you to shut off power to the air conditioner when the unit malfunctions without impacting 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 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 Air Conditioner
Is your air conditioner still not working right? The next air conditioner reset strategy is to unplug the equipment. First, locate the shutoff panel near the outside unit and shut off the power to the compressor. After that, unplug the air conditioning equipment 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 new start. If your AC still isn’t working right after plugging it back in, the socket could be defective. You’ll need a professional to repair this problem.
5. Work with a Expert
When you can’t seem to make any headway, or you’re uncomfortable trying the DIY tips above, hiring a professional is your best bet. A certified HVAC technician can reset your system using special tools and diagnose underlying issues that might not be resolved with a simple reset.
AC Still Not Working? Call the Skilled Team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
If you’ve attempted resetting your air conditioner yourself and it’s still not functioning, don’t worry—Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help. Our ACE-certified technicians provide reliable, durable AC repair, with your satisfaction guaranteed. If you’re not thoroughly happy with our AC services in Canada, we’ll make it right! Get a hold of us at 866-397-3787 today to experience the difference we can make in your life and comfort level!