How to Reset an Air Conditioner That Won’t Work  

It’s a sweltering summer day in Fort Lauderdale, and you’re grateful you have central air conditioning. But then you notice your air conditioner behaving oddly or not cooling as it should. Before you fret, try resetting your air conditioner. This simple step often fixes little issues and gets your system working again.

Why Would I Need to Reset My Air Conditioner?

All air conditioning systems have a protection circuit breaker. This safety device helps prevent electrical accidents, such as fires or explosions, that could develop from power surges or outages. When the circuit trips, resetting your home’s AC becomes necessary to get it working 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 reason might be a thermostat error. At times, a simple reset is all it takes to resolve the problem.

Then again, it’s crucial to approach this endeavor with caution. If you’re uneasy about resetting the AC on your own, get in touch with a professional for peace of mind. Also, it’s important to realize that tampering with your unit’s internal parts might void your warranty, so always check the guidelines before proceeding.

5 Strategies for Resetting an Air Conditioner

When simple issues develop, a reset is a good way to start. Here are five methods for resetting an air conditioner.

1. Reset Your Home’s Circuit Breaker

Your home’s electrical panel has the breakers for all your electrical circuits, including a dedicated one for your HVAC system. If the cooling system is having trouble following a power surge or outage, try this method first.

Locate the electrical panel—often found in the garage, basement, crawlspace or utility closet—and find the switch for your HVAC system. If the circuits aren’t marked, 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. Now, turn the AC back on, verify that the thermostat is set to “cool” and take note of how the unit functions.

2. Push the Reset Button

If your cooling system has a reset control, this is the easiest way to clear any small glitches in the system. This small, red button is most likely on or near the outdoor condensing unit, sometimes under a panel marked “Reset”. If you can’t find it, reference your physical owner’s manual or find a digital copy online.

Use these tips to reset an air conditioner using the reset button:

1. Set your thermostat to the “off” setting.

2. Hit the circuit breaker that powers your AC.

3. Press and hold the reset button for three to five seconds.

4. Return power to your AC by flipping the circuit breaker back on.

5. Then, set the thermostat to “cool” and set it to a temperature slightly less than the current indoor temperature. The cooling system should come to life in a few seconds. If the air being blown from the registers is nice and cool, you’re all set!

3. Flip the Isolation Switch 

If you can’t find the reset button, look for the isolation switch near the outdoor unit. This safety feature allows you to shut off power to the AC when the unit malfunctions without compromising the rest of your home’s electricity. It usually looks 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 components to reset.

4. Unplug the AC 

Is your AC still not performing right? The next air conditioning reset strategy is to unplug the system. First, find the shutoff panel near the outside unit and turn off the power to the compressor. After that, 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 HVAC a brand-new start. If your air conditioning still won’t work correctly after plugging it back in, the socket could be bad. You’ll need a heating and cooling specialist to fix this problem.

5. Hire a Professional

If nothing else works, or you’re uncomfortable trying the DIY tips above, hiring a professional is your best bet. A certified HVAC tech can reset your system using particular tools and diagnose underlying issues that might not be solved with a simple reset.

Air Conditioning Still Not Working? Call the Professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If you’ve attempted resetting your AC yourself and it’s still not working, don’t worry—Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Our ACE-certified technicians provide efficient, long-lasting AC repair, with your satisfaction guaranteed. If you’re not thoroughly happy with our AC services in Fort Lauderdale, we’ll make it right! Call us at 954-736-4314 today to experience the difference we can make in your life and comfort level!

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