How To Reset an Air Conditioning Unit: A Simple Guide

Many homeowners don’t know that they can reset their air conditioner, but a quick AC reset can help you resolve many common issues.

If your AC won’t turn on or is malfunctioning, resetting your system might fix the problem.

Why You Might Need To Reset Your AC

The most common reasons you may need to manually reset your air conditioner include:

• Power outages
• System lockouts
• AC blowing warm air
• Non-responsive thermostat
• Blinking AC light
• System short-cycling

When deciding whether an AC reset is needed, remember to troubleshoot carefully. If you’re unsure what’s going on with your system, always call a professional like Len The Plumber Heating & Air for AC repair.

Safety First: What To Do Before Resetting Your AC

Before resetting your air conditioner, be sure to turn off the system completely at the thermostat and the electrical breaker. This protects you from electrical shock if your system cycles on while you’re resetting it.

After turning it off, ensure the unit is not actively running or making any noise. Additionally, wait five minutes after shutting down the system to make sure all internal system components are safely powered down.

How To Locate Your AC’s Reset Button

While not all AC units have a reset button, most modern ones do. Typically red or yellow, this button is usually inside the condenser in the outside unit. Your system manual should tell you exactly where your reset button is for your model.

Once you’ve located the reset button, hold it for three to five seconds and listen for a click or other restart signal.

How To Reset an AC Without a Reset Button

If your air conditioner doesn’t have a reset button, you can take these steps to reset your unit:

1. Identify the circuit breaker in your electrical panel responsible for powering your air conditioner.
2. Turn off that breaker for at least 60 seconds and then switch it back on.
3. Wait several minutes and then turn the system back on at your thermostat and set it to your desired temperature.

When To Call a Professional HVAC Technician

If resetting your air conditioner doesn’t address your problem, or you notice one of these issues, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician:

• Your system shuts off frequently.
• You notice burning smells.
• You notice new or strange noises.
• Your system overheats and trips the circuit breaker.
• Your system needs repeated resets.

Any of these problems are signs that there’s a larger issue that needs to be diagnosed and repaired by a professional.

Choose Len The Plumber Heating & Air for Your AC Repair Needs

With over 25 years of home service expertise, Len The Plumber Heating & Air is here for all your HVAC needs.

Our goal is to keep our customers’ lives moving. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency repairs, same day service seven days a week, and no extra charges for evening, weekend, or overtime services.

Our highly trained and experienced technicians will always provide upfront pricing so there aren’t any surprise fees after service.

Schedule air conditioning repairs from an HVAC company you can trust. Contact Len The Plumber Heating & Air for service in Washington, D.C.