How to Reset an Air Conditioner That Won’t Work  

It’s a sweltering summer day in Fort Lauderdale, 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 panic, try resetting your air conditioning system. This easy step often fixes little issues and gets your system working again.

Why Would I Need to Reset My Air Conditioner?

Every single AC has a protection circuit breaker. This safety apparatus stops electrical mishaps, such as fires or explosions, that could develop from power surges or outages. When the circuit trips, resetting your home’s AC is likely going to be necessary to get it running again.

Another reason you may need to reset the AC is if your unit is blowing warm air when it should be cooling. In this situation, the root cause might be a thermostat error. Sometimes, a simple reset is all it takes to resolve the situation.

However, 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. Also, be aware that tampering with your unit’s internal components might void your warranty, so always check the guidelines before attempting this type of work.

5 Strategies for Resetting an Air Conditioner

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

1. Reset the Circuit Breaker

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

Find the electrical panel—often found in the garage, basement, crawlspace or utility closet—and find the switch labeled for your HVAC system. If the circuits aren’t marked, you might have to experiment. Flick the circuit breaker off, wait 30 minutes, and then flip it back on. Now, turn the air conditioner back on, confirm that the thermostat is set to “cool” and see how the unit functions.

2. Push the Reset Button

If your AC has a reset switch, this is a simple way to clear any small errors in the system. This small, red button is probably on or near the outside condensing unit, sometimes under a panel marked “Reset”. If you cannot find it, reference your AC’s owner’s manual or pull one up online.

Here are ways to reset an air conditioner using the reset button:

1. Switch 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 choose a temperature slightly lower than the current indoor temperature. The air conditioner should come to life in a few seconds. If the air coming from the registers is cool, you’re all set!

3. Turn the Isolation Switch 

If you don’t see a reset button, search for the isolation switch that is typically in the vicinity of the exterior 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 AC unit from power, allowing all electrical components to reset.

4. Unplug the Air Conditioner 

Is your air conditioner still not operating as expected? The next air conditioning reset strategy is to unplug the equipment. First, identify the shutoff panel near the outside unit and cut the power to the compressor. And then, unplug the AC from the power supply board. Leave the unit unplugged for not less than 30 minutes to let any residual charge dissipate from the internal components, clearing any errors and giving the system a brand-new start. If your cooling system still fails to work after plugging it back in, the socket could be defective. You’ll need a professional to fix this issue.

5. Work with a Expert

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

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

If you’ve tried 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 fast, durable 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 so we can make your home a more comfortable place!

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