Cold Air Not Flowing? 5 Easy Ways to Reset Your Air Conditioner  

It’s a sweltering summer day in Edmonton, and you’re relieved you have central air conditioning. But then you discover your air conditioner behaving oddly or not cooling like it is supposed to. Before you fret, try resetting your AC. This easy step often fixes little issues and gets your system operating normally again.

Why Would I Want to Reset My Air Conditioner?

Every air conditioner has a protection circuit breaker. This safety mechanism 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 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 is supposed to be producing cool air. In this situation, the reason might be a thermostat problem. Occasionally, a simple reset is all it takes to eliminate the problem.

Then again, it’s important to approach this job with caution. If you’re uneasy about resetting the AC on your own, get in touch with a professional for assistance. In addition, it’s important to realize that tampering with your unit’s internal elements might void your warranty, so always check the guidelines before attempting this type of work.

5 Methods for Resetting the AC

When simple issues develop, a reset is a good place to get started. Here are five ways to reset your central air.

1. Reset the Circuit Breaker

Your home’s electrical panel houses the breakers for all your electrical circuits, including a specific one for your heating and cooling system. If the central air is having difficulty soon after a power surge or outage, try this strategy first.

Locate the electrical panel—often found in the garage, basement, crawlspace or utility closet—and try to find the switch for your HVAC system. If the circuits aren’t labeled, you might have to figure out on your own which switch controls your HVAC. Flick the circuit breaker off, wait 30 minutes, and then flip it on again. Then, turn the air conditioning back on, verify that the thermostat is set to “cool” and take note of how the unit operates.

2. Hit the Reset Button

If your air conditioner has a reset button, this is a simple way to clear any small errors in the system. This small, red button is often located on or near the exterior condensing unit, sometimes under a panel marked “Reset”. If you can’t find it, reference your physical owner’s manual or pull one up online.

Use these tips to reset an AC using the reset button:

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

2. Flip the circuit breaker that powers your HVAC.

3. Push 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 lower than the current indoor temperature. The air conditioner should start up in a few seconds. If the air blowing from the registers is cool, you’re ready to go!

3. Flip the Isolation Switch 

If you can’t find the reset button, look for the isolation switch that is typically in the vicinity of the exterior unit. This safety feature enables you to turn off power to the AC 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.

Shut off your system by hitting the isolation switch, wait 30 to 60 minutes and then flip the switch again to turn it on again. This manual reboot totally disconnects your air conditioner from power, allowing all electrical elements to reset.

4. Unplug the Air Conditioner 

Is your air conditioning system still not working the way it should? The next air conditioner reset strategy is to unplug the equipment. First, identify the shutoff panel near the outside unit and turn off the power to the compressor. Then, unplug the air conditioner 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 fresh start. If your air conditioner still isn’t working right after plugging it back in, the socket could be faulty. You’ll need a professional to repair this situation.

5. Work with a Pro

When all else fails, 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 particular tools and diagnose underlying issues that might not be solved with a simple reset.

Air Conditioner Still Not Working? Call the Professionals at McKinley Heating Service Experts

If you’ve tried resetting your AC yourself and it’s still not working, don’t worry—McKinley Heating Service Experts is here to help. Our certified technicians provide high-quality, lasting AC repair, with your satisfaction guaranteed. If you’re not thoroughly happy with our AC services in Edmonton, we’ll make it right! Contact us at 780-800-7092 today to experience the difference we can make in your life and comfort level!