HVAC BOSS

How to Reset Your Air Conditioning Unit

A simple reset can fix a lot of AC-related problems. Fortunately, practically anyone would be able to handle this simple task.

If the air conditioner is equipped with a reset button, all you would have to do is push it to restart the system. You can also reboot the cooling unit from the isolator switch, at the circuit breaker, or by resetting the thermostat.

How to Reset An Air Conditioning Unit

There are four ways of resetting an air conditioning system:

  1. With a reset button – the red button can usually be found on the outdoor unit; all you would have to do is hold it for around 3 seconds and then release the button
  2. From the isolator switch – some air conditioners would have an isolator switch that can be used to isolate the unit from the electrical system in case of a repair, for example; if your unit has such a switch, turn it off for 30 minutes, and then back on again
  3. At the circuit breaker – the chances are high that your breaker box has a breaker labeled ‘AC’; locate the switch, turn it off, and then flip it to ‘on’
  4. From the thermostat – plenty of thermostat models nowadays have a reset button that you would have to press for 5 seconds and then release to reboot the air conditioning system
Resetting a breaker

How to Reset AC Unit in Apartment?

In a lot of cases, you should be able to reset your AC from the thermostat

If that is impossible, then you would have to locate the breaker box and reboot the cooling system from there. In apartments, breaker boxes can usually be found in the hallway.

Read: Why Is Air Conditioning So Expensive?

How to Reset a Window Air Conditioner?

If your unit has a reset button, you should hold it for a few seconds and then release the button to reboot the AC.

In case there is no designated button, unplug the window air conditioner and switch off the circuit breaker for around 20-30 minutes. Then switch everything back on in reverse order.

Reset a window air conditioner

Where Is the Reset Button on the Air Conditioning Unit?

If you still have the user’s manual, consult it to find the reset button on your particular AC model.

The majority of units that are equipped with such a button will have it somewhere on the outdoor unit. You might want to start looking for a small red button along the bottom edge.

If you can’t find the reset button on the outside of the unit, then it might be located inside, right behind the service panel. 

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Read: Does Furnace Filter Affect Air Conditioning?

Is There a Reset Button on the Outside AC Unit?

Air conditioners that are equipped with a reset button usually have it on the outdoor unit.

AC contactor

Is There a Reset Button on The Compressor?

An AC compressor is located in the outdoor unit. If the air conditioner has a reset button, it will most likely be located along the bottom edge of the outdoor unit.

Midea Air Conditioner Reset Button

A lot of Midea units come with remote control. If you ever need to reboot the air conditioner, you should simply push the reset button on the remote.

Otherwise, unplug the unit and turn it off at the circuit breaker. 

York Air Conditioner Reset Button

To reset a York air conditioner, you would usually have to find the reset button either on the remote control or on the unit’s control board

Read: What Are Residential Air Conditioning Noise Levels?

How Long Does It Take for Air Conditioner to Reset?

If you’re resetting your unit at the circuit breaker, you would have to leave the system off for around 20-30 minutes. After you flip the breaker back on (or push the reset button), you should give the air conditioner about 30 minutes for its internal circuity to reset.

So, you can expect your AC to return to normal operation in an hour or so. 

Air Conditioner Reset Button Keeps Tripping

If your air conditioner is constantly tripping the reset button or the circuit breaker, you should stop flipping the breaker back or pressing the button – this can damage the equipment.

There are a few reasons why your AC might be doing that:

  • A dirty air filter
  • Dirty condenser coils
  • A broken fan
  • A malfunctioning compressor
  • Loose wiring
  • Issues with the circuit breaker
Dirty air filter

How to Reset Air Conditioner Thermostat?

Resetting your thermostat would also reboot the air conditioning system. How exactly you should reset the device would depend on the thermostat’s model:

  • Some thermostats have a reset button that you should push with a paperclip for around 5 seconds to reboot the system
  • Battery-operated devices can be reset by installing the batteries backward for 5 seconds
  • All the other models would have to be turned off and then back on at the circuit breaker

Read: Why Dust Coming Out Of Air Vents?

Where Is the AC Breaker Located?

The AC breaker is located inside the circuit breaker box. It’s, in the majority of cases, a grey metal box that can typically be found in your basement, garage, closet, or hallway.

The breaker that is responsible for the cooling unit should be labeled. If it’s not, then you can turn off the main breaker.

Do bear in mind that some air conditioners have a separate breaker box installed next to the actual unit.

What Is the Purpose of a Reset?

In a lot of cases, the AC unit would require a reset after the breaker gets tripped. This is a safety measure that prevents the unit from overheating, fires, and even explosions.

You can also choose to reset your cooling equipment if the thermostat is unresponsive, for example.

Read: Does Opening The Window Help With Dry Air?

How Do I Know If My AC Fuse Is Blown?

If your cooling unit has a blown fuse, the whole system or a part of it will stop operating. Resetting the unit will not help, in such a case.

The only thing that you can do is replace the blown fuse. But first, you should confirm that this is exactly what has happened.

If you feel comfortable working with electricity, then you can test for a blown fuse with a voltmeter.

Will AC Run If Fuse Is Blown?

A blown fuse can stop your air conditioner from operating entirely.

What Causes an AC Unit to Not Turn on?

If your unit is not turning on at all, then there is no point in resetting it. 

You would have to fix one of the following issues before attempting to switch the unit on:

  • Disconnected wires in the thermostat
  • A clogged condensate line
  • A faulty float switch
  • A tripped circuit breaker
  • A blown fuse
  • An unplugged condenser unit
  • Failure of the motor
  • A refrigerant leak

Why Is the AC Not Cooling?

In a lot of cases, your AC won’t be cooling because the thermostat settings are not right. So, make sure to check those before proceeding any further.

  • Make sure that the air filters are clean
  • Check the coils – they shouldn’t be dirty or frozen
  • Check for a refrigerant leak
  • Ensure that the ductwork is not damaged 
  • Open all registers
  • Check the fan motor and compressor

How Do I Force My AC Compressor to Start?

The first thing that you can do is check for power and replace a blown fuse if there is such a need. Sometimes, all you would have to do is flip a tripped breaker back.