How to Reset Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner is essential to your home cooling system, so you must always ensure it’s up and running. However, there are times when you’ll need to reset your air conditioner, and if you don’t know how to do it, you’ll run into trouble. After all, you should know your air conditioning unit better than anyone else.

How do you reset an air conditioner? It’s time to find out. Luckily, Mr. Furnace is here to help with a list of ways to reset your air conditioner. Let’s talk more about air conditioners and their functionality.

Why You Should Reset Your AC Unit

Why should you reset your air conditioner? The main reason is if it stops working. This is often caused by the AC compressor not turning on the electrical system. However, it’s not the only reason to reset your air conditioner. It could be an alternative to AC repair in some cases.

What other reason do you have to reset your air conditioner? It essentially reboots your air conditioner and restores power. You may need to do this after a power outage because the protection circuit breaker prevents the surge of electricity from starting a fire or causing an explosion. It’s a good AC maintenance practice to perform. 

Ways to Reset Air Conditioning Unit

There are several universal ways to reset most air conditioning units. Whether your air conditioner is malfunctioning or needs to be reset for another reason, these methods will work. However, there are alternatives. Here’s how you can reset your air conditioning unit.

Press the Reset Button

Your air conditioner should have a reset button that allows you to resolve minor mechanical issues. It’s often small, red and on or around your AC unit. Once you press it, see if your air conditioning system starts. Try again and hold the button for a few seconds if it doesn’t work.

Utilize the Isolation Switch

Not all air conditioners have reset buttons, but most have isolation switches. This switch disconnects the AC unit from its power supply in the vent of an odd electrical current or malfunction. The isolation switch is found on the wall next to the unit or right by the condenser. Once you find it, turn it off for 30 minutes to an hour to let the electrical components reset. Lastly, switch it back on and see if your air conditioner starts working again.

Try the Power Source

The first step is to turn off your air conditioner using the thermostat. Next, turn off the AC unit using the shutoff panel close to it and switch off the power supply to the compressor unit. Finally, unplug the air conditioning unit from the power supply board. Wait 30 minutes, and then plug everything back in. See if your air conditioner starts working again.

Use the Switch Board

The only other way to reset an air conditioner is with the switch board, but this should be a last resort. Find the switch board that powers your air conditioner. It houses the fuses, safety switch, and circuit breaker. Next, you should find the circuit breaker or safety switch that controls your AC, which isn’t always labelled. Be careful and call a professional technician if you need clarification on doing this yourself.

Call an HVAC Technician

If you have tried everything to reset your air conditioner, you need professional help. Resetting your air conditioner repetitively isn’t good for your system. If resetting your air conditioner doesn’t fix the problem, something else may be causing issues. A low refrigerant level, failing AC compressor or clogged fan are some examples.

If Resetting Doesn’t Work, Get Professional Repairs!

Your AC system can only take on so much at once. If a reset doesn’t do the trick, there might be other problems that can only be dealt with by a professional. Messing around with your circuit breaker box can be dangerous, especially if you have loose wires. Choose the safe option by giving us a call.

If you have AC issues, your best bet is to call in an HVAC contractor from Mr. Furnace. We serve St. Catharine’s and the Niagara region and are here to help. Contact our team today for comprehensive cooling services and more.

AC Unit Reset FAQs

How do I manually reset my AC unit?

The easiest way to reset your AC unit is to press and hold the reset button for a few seconds. When your air conditioner does not have a reset button, you can also try the isolation switch, shutoff panel, and circuit breaker panel.

How long does it take for an air conditioner to reset?

It usually takes around 30 minutes for your air conditioner to reset. After turning off your air conditioner, you should wait that amount of time before turning it back on.

Why would an AC need to be reset?

The most common time to reset your AC is after a power outage. This is because the protection circuit breaker works its magic during a power outage to prevent fires and explosions. It also stops your air conditioning system from blowing warm air, which is sometimes a thermostat error.

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

There could be several reasons why your air conditioner is not providing cool air. Check them out below:

• Incorrectly set thermostat
• Clogged air filter
• Blocked condenser unit
• Heat pump damaged
• Frozen evaporator coil
• Low levels of refrigerant from leaking
• Too small of an air conditioner

An AC unit can run but not blow cold air. When this happens, you should be weary because one small problem can escalate into a bigger issue with time. The best bet is to call an HVAC professional to investigate.