We all need a reset every once in a while, right? So do our computers and appliances these days. These things are made with much more advanced computer technology than they used to be, which means that sometimes they need a reset and reboot. Even older model air conditioners can sometimes benefit from hitting the reset button. But is hitting a reset button all you need to do to reset your air conditioner and fix your AC problems? No, there’s a little more to it than that.
We always want to give our customers the knowledge and confidence they need to manage the AC repair issues and minor problems that are safe and reasonable for them to handle if that’s what they prefer to do. Even though this is a simple and safe task to perform, keep in mind that your Dolphin Cooling HVAC technician is just a phone call away if you don’t feel comfortable DIYing your air conditioning issues.
A word of caution: With certain units, accessing your reset button may require you to open the service panel, which could impact your warranty. Before attempting to reset your air conditioner, it’s a good idea to check your warranty guidelines or contact your HVAC contractor for advice.
Reasons You May Need to Reset Your Air Conditioner
The most common reason that air conditioners need a reset is that a circuit breaker was thrown as a safety mechanism. Your AC unit is designed with this safety feature to be activated in the event of a power outage to prevent fires or explosions. A tripped breaker could simply mean your AC did its job and it needs a quick reset.
Other AC issues like an AC thermostat error can cause your AC to stop blowing cold air or blow warm air instead. While there are other problems that can cause your AC to stop blowing cold air, if the issue is a thermostat error, a reset may be all you need to do to fix it.
If you see any exposed wires or visible damage to your outside unit, please do not attempt to reset your unit as a safety precaution. Contact your HVAC contractor as soon as possible as any repair to electronic components should be handled by licensed and trained HVAC professionals.
How to Reset and Air Conditioner
The following steps will walk you through the process of resetting your air conditioner.
1. Turn off your air conditioner.
The first step, If your AC is not already turned off at the circuit breaker box, is to flip the breaker that supplies power to the AC to the off position first, followed by turning off the power switch located on your outdoor unit.
2. Locate the reset button.
The next step is to find the reset button. This button will likely be a red button, but many of them are small and can be difficult to find. The easiest way to locate the reset button is to consult your owner’s manual.
3. Press and hold the reset button.
Hold the button down for 3-5 seconds before releasing it.
4. Flip the circuit breaker back on.
Make sure your circuit breaker is flipped to the on position, restoring power to the AC. Then turn the AC power back on at the outside unit.
Once the reset is complete, it’s time to test your air conditioning unit. Turn your thermostat to cool and set the temperature a few degrees lower than the temperature in your home to prompt the air conditioner to turn on. Your air conditioner should begin running again within a few seconds. Confirm that the air is blowing cool as it should be by checking the vents for cold air. The air that comes out first may not be cool, but cool air should quickly follow within a few seconds.
Set your air conditioner’s thermostat to your desired temperature and you should be good to go. If these four simple steps don’t do the trick to get your air conditioner back up and running, there is something else wrong. Keep reading to find out what the problem might be.
What to Do if Your Air Conditioner Doesn’t Turn On After Reset
There are plenty of other things that could be causing issues in your HVAC system. Issues with HVAC systems range from very simple and safe to DIY all the way to extremely complex and unsafe for the homeowner to handle on their own. The issue could be something as simple as a blown fuse, dirty evaporator coils, dirty condenser lines, a refrigerant leak, or even something like a faulty thermostat. Some of these issues you may be able to diagnose, but will still need a professional for repair.
On the other hand, you could be looking at a more serious problem that requires a professional technician to handle diagnosis purely for safety reasons. A cooling system has electrical components that could be damaged during a power surge or other circumstances and cause an electrical issue with any of your electrical appliances, including your air conditioner unit.
If you want to troubleshoot your AC issues before calling for help, read our blog post about 11 common reasons your AC won’t turn on. If your AC does turn back on but is still not blowing cold air, you can read about 9 common reasons your AC isn’t blowing cold air.
Schedule a Repair Appointment with Dolphin Cooling
Whether you’re looking at minor issues like a clogged filter or more serious problems like a damaged or loose connection in your AC unit’s wiring, Dolphin Cooling and Heating has fast and efficient technicians for the job. If your AC repair is an emergency, we offer emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Contact us to schedule your appointment or learn more about HVAC systems on our blog.