AC Quit? Here’s How to Reset It
It’s a sweltering summer day in Winnipeg, and you’re relieved you have central air conditioning. But then you discover your AC behaving oddly or not cooling like it is supposed to. Before you stress, try resetting your AC. This quick step often fixes little issues and gets your system back up and running.
Why Would I Have to Reset My Central Air?
All air conditioning systems have a protection circuit breaker. This safety apparatus prevents electrical mishaps, such as fires or explosions, that could develop from power surges or outages. When the circuit trips, resetting your air conditioner is likely going to be necessary to get it operating again.
Another time to reset the AC is if your unit is blowing warm air when it ought to be blowing cold air. In this case, the root cause might be a thermostat problem. Occasionally, a simple reset is all it takes to resolve the situation.
Although, it’s essential to approach this endeavor with caution. If you’re uneasy about resetting the AC on your own, contact a professional for peace of mind. In addition, 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 Tips for Resetting an Air Conditioner
When simple issues develop, a reset is a good place to get started. Here are five methods for resetting an air conditioner.
1. Reset Your 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 approach first.
Locate the electrical panel—commonly found in the garage, basement, crawlspace or utility closet—and try to find the switch designated for your HVAC system. If the circuits aren’t marked, you might have to try things out. Flip the circuit breaker off, wait 30 minutes, and then flip it on again. Then, turn the AC back on, make sure that the thermostat is set to “cool” and observe how the unit operates.
2. Hit the Reset Button
If your AC has a reset control, this is a simple way to clear any slight bugs in the system. This small, red button is probably on or near the outside condensing unit, perhaps under a panel marked “Reset”. If you are not able to find it, reference your AC’s owner’s manual or pull one up online.
Here are ways to reset an AC using the reset button:
1. Switch your thermostat to the “off” setting.
2. Turn off the circuit breaker that powers your AC.
3. Click and hold the reset button for three to five seconds.
4. Restore power to your AC by flicking the circuit breaker back on.
5. Last, set the thermostat to “cool” and pick a temperature slightly colder than the current indoor temperature. The AC should start up in just a few seconds. If the air blowing from the registers is cool, you’re all set!
3. Flick the Isolation Switch
If you don’t see a reset button, go 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 impacting the rest of your home’s electricity. It typically looks like a dial with an “on” and “off” position.
Turn the isolation switch off, 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 conditioning system still not working right? The next AC reset strategy is to unplug the unit. First, locate the shutoff panel near the outdoor unit and cut the power to the compressor. After that, unplug the air conditioning equipment 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 new start. If your air conditioning still won’t work correctly after plugging it back in, the socket could be faulty. You’ll need a professional to fix this situation.
5. Call a Expert
When all else fails, or you’re unsure about attempting 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 resolved with a simple reset.
Air Conditioning Still Not Working? Call the Pros at Winnipeg Supply Service Experts
If you’ve attempted resetting your air conditioner yourself and it’s still not running correctly, don’t worry—Winnipeg Supply Service Experts is here to help. Our certified technicians provide reliable, durable AC repair, with your satisfaction guaranteed. If you’re not entirely happy with our AC services in Winnipeg, we’ll make it right! Call us at 204-800-0613 today so we can make your home a more comfortable place!
