How to Reset Your Air Conditioner

April 01, 2024

When your air conditioner is showing signs of trouble, calling a qualified HVAC technician is always a good option, but sometimes, the problem can be fixed with a simple reset. Knowing how to reset your AC can save you time and money, so in this article, we’ll help you troubleshoot. We’ll explore:

Reasons your AC needs a reset
Steps for resetting your air conditioner
When to consult HVAC professionals

Keep reading to learn how to reset your AC and restore comfort to your living space. But if you’re not comfortable attempting the steps outlined in this guide, don't worry. Advanced Air’s technicians are just a phone call away!

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If your AC is malfunctioning, call Advanced Air’s professionals at (888) 853-5143 for AC repairs handled quickly and efficiently. We offer fast and convenient scheduling with a 2-hour time range for arrival. If we’re even a minute late, your diagnostic is 100% free ($109 value). That’s our promise to you, and we’re proud to have thousands of 5-star reviews to back it up!

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Reasons Your AC Needs a Reset

Your AC unit contains a protective circuit breaker that commonly trips after a power outage to protect the air conditioner from power surges. Additionally, resetting your central air conditioner may be necessary due to issues such as thermostat malfunctions, freezing or overheating, sensor errors, software glitches, and as part of routine maintenance. Regular resets can also be recommended after filter replacements or power interruptions to maintain optimal performance in central air conditioning systems.

Steps for Resetting Your Air Conditioner

Take the following steps to reset your AC. And remember, if you’re not comfortable with resetting your air conditioner on your own, don’t hesitate to call Advanced Air’s qualified HVAC technicians: (888) 853-5143.

Power Off

The first step in resetting your air conditioner is to power it off completely. Locate the power switch on the unit or use the remote control to turn off the system. Ensure that both the indoor and outdoor units are powered down to initiate a complete reset. Once the air conditioner is turned off, disconnect the power source. Flip the circuit breaker switch to OFF to ensure there is no live power.

Wait 15-30 Minutes

Allow the unit to sit unplugged for at least 15-30 minutes. This allows the internal components to discharge residual energy. During this time, check your thermostat and air filter.

Thermostat check: look for a reset button on your thermostat and press it for 3 to 5 seconds before releasing it. It's a good idea to change the batteries on your thermostat as you do this to eliminate this as a potential cause for malfunction.
Air filter check: While your AC is off, take a moment to check your air filter to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced. Dirty filters can obstruct airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. Clean or replace air filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage.

Allow the System to Cycle

The above steps should have initiated the reset cycle, so wait for this cycle to complete before doing anything further. Wait for at least 15-30 minutes before attempting to turn your AC unit and thermostat back on so it has time to reset the internal breaker.

Set Thermostat

Once the AC reset cycle is complete, set your thermostat to at least 5 degrees below the current temperature to test the results of your reset. If the problem has been resolved, no further action is needed.

When to Consult HVAC Professionals

Sometimes, the system reset isn't enough to get your air conditioner working properly again. If you've gone through the reset process and your unit is still blowing warm air, won't power on, or is showing other signs of malfunction, it's time to schedule a service call with an experienced HVAC technician. There are several possibilities for the issues you're experiencing at this point, so a knowledgeable professional is the best resource for diagnosing the problem and providing you with repair options to get your air conditioner blowing cold air and working efficiently again.

We've been keeping area homes comfortable for over 30 years, giving us the experience to handle all your AC problems.

When your air conditioner is acting up, you need someone knowledgeable to handle your AC repair so you know it's done right the first time. At Advanced Air, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our work, and our honest and upfront pricing has earned us thousands of 5-star reviews.