We recommend manually resetting your AC system as a preliminary troubleshooting step, especially if you're experiencing AC issues like: AC blowing warm air. Inconsistent temperatures. Short cycling.
This issue is when a circuit breaker powers on, protecting your appliances from voltage hazards. Sometimes, after a breaker is tripped, your AC unit may not work as well as before. If you have it set at a cool temperature but all you're feeling is warm air — a quick reset is sometimes all you need.
After finding the circuit breaker for your AC unit, flip it to the off position. Leave it off for around 30 minutes, then flip it back to the on position. If you have fuses, you can only reset the AC by taking the fuse out.
There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.
Certain situations may require you to reset your thermostat. For instance, if it's cold outside, and you're cranking up the temperature for your furnace but the house still doesn't feel like it's warming up, you may need to reset your thermostat.
Check the thermostat
You should check if it's been set to the correct temperature and also make sure it's set to “cool”. If the AC settings are not right, it won't turn on. You can also check if the batteries in the thermostat are fresh and replace them if needed.
If your thermostat is set to a temperature regulation mode or has an energy-saving program enabled, it might reset to conserve energy.
Turning off your AC when it's not cooling is more than a precaution; it's a necessary first step in troubleshooting and protecting your system from further damage. By understanding when to perform simple checks and when to call in the experts, you ensure your air conditioner remains a reliable refuge from the heat.
Clean your Air Filters, Vents, and Ducts – A clogged air filter will struggle to meet the thermostat's set temperature since the dirt and debris buildup prevents air from circulating through the vents. And as airflow into living spaces drops, so do comfort levels.
Your air conditioner's internal circuitry needs some time to reset after you turn it back on. This can take approximately a half-hour, so sit tight for about 30 minutes. How to reset air conditioner after power outage at the thermostat. After 30 minutes have passed, turn your air conditioner back on at the thermostat.
Depending on the system, an optimal time of 3 minutes is required before switching the system on. If the system is turned on without waiting for at least 3 minutes, the system can start with a pressure load. This pressure load prevents the system from cooling properly, which could affect the system in the long run.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
For safety reasons, always turn off the main power supply before resetting the AC circuit breaker. Resetting precautions and electrical safety are crucial to avoid potential hazards or damage. Always prioritize safety when dealing with electrical components.
Press the reset button. Most models require you to hold the button down for 3-5 seconds before releasing. Restore power to your AC. Restore power to the unit at the circuit breaker, and make sure the unit is set to “on” and your thermostat is set to “cool.”
In some cases, clogged air filters or dirty evaporator coils can also restrict airflow, forcing the AC to compensate by running at high power. To resolve this issue, it's recommended to check for clogged filters, clean coils, and consider having a professional inspect and repair the motor or fan control components.
Leaving your air conditioning unit running all day won't typically cause damage to the unit itself, but it can strain the system and result in costly energy bills. Running your air conditioner non-stop for extended periods without regular maintenance leads to wear and tear on the unit.
As mentioned, one of the more common reasons for an AC unit needing a reset is due to the protection circuit breaker inside the unit kicking in. This usually happens after a power outage occurs, and this failsafe is in place to prevent fires and explosions from occurring from a power surge.
If your AC unit is not cooling at all, it may indicate a malfunction within the system that could worsen if the unit continues to run. By shutting off your AC, you allow the system to rest, potentially preventing further damage until an HVAC professional can inspect it.
If your air handler is running but not blowing air, there are two likely scenarios: either a broken AC blower belt or an issue with the motor itself. If the air handler is humming or buzzing but not making the mechanical sounds of a motor running, you're most likely talking about an issue with the motor itself.
Any time you are having an issue with heating and cooling units, such as after a sudden power failure or after your children have had 'control' of the system while you've been away, resetting the thermostat should be the first thing you try when attempting to rectify HVAC system issues.
The most common problems are: Power outages - Power surges or outages remove power to the thermostat, causing it to restart or reboot. Sometimes, the outage can last just a second or two, and not be noticed. Dead batteries – Some older thermostats aren't hard-wired into the electrical system and run on batteries.
A bad thermostat can be detected when your AC or furnace is not turning on, your HVAC systems are not turning off, the thermostat not responding, your HVAC system is short-cycling, the room temperature not matching the temperature displayed on the thermostat, and the programmed setting resetting themselves.