How do I force restart my AC?

Author: Nicholaus Emmerich  |  Last update: Thursday, March 6, 2025

It's a small, red button usually located on or around the unit. The button should have a clear 'reset' label. Once you find the button, press it for around three seconds and observe the AC. Check whether the AC kicks on immediately and if it doesn't, press the button again for another three seconds.

How to hard reset an air conditioner?

Turning Off & Resetting Your AC Unit in 4 Simple Steps
  1. Shut it Off.
  2. Get to the Circuit Breaker. So far, so good. ...
  3. Wait 30 Seconds. After turning off the circuit breaker linked to the AC unit, wait for a full minute. ...
  4. Turn it Back On. After waiting for 1 minute, the AC unit will reset on its own.

How can I get my AC to start working again?

Eight Reasons Why Your AC Won't Turn On-And What to Do
  1. 1) Check the Thermostat. ...
  2. 2) Check the Air Filter. ...
  3. 3) Check the Circuit Breaker. ...
  4. 4) Check the Indoor Shutoff Switch. ...
  5. 5) Check the Outdoor Shutoff Switch. ...
  6. 6) Find the AC's Reset Button. ...
  7. 7) Inspect the AC for Ice Buildup. ...
  8. 8) Ensure the Condensate Drain Isn't Clogged.

How do you reset the outside AC breaker?

How to Reset Air Conditioner Breaker in Six Steps
  1. Step 1: Find the Service Panel or Circuit Breaker Box. ...
  2. Step 2: Power Down the AC Unit and Thermostat. ...
  3. Step 3: Find the AC Breaker Switch and Reset It. ...
  4. Step 4: Try the Isolator Switch. ...
  5. Step 5: Use the Reset Button on the AC Unit.

How do I reset my central AC not blowing cold air?

Use these tips to reset an air conditioner using the reset button:
  1. Turn your thermostat to the “off” setting.
  2. Turn off the circuit breaker that powers your AC.
  3. Press and hold the reset button for three to five seconds.
  4. Restore power to your AC by flicking the circuit breaker back on.

How to Reboot and Reset Your Air Conditioner

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

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.

How long does it take for AC to reset?

Once you locate it, turn the knob to the off position and leave it for at least 30 minutes up to an hour. This will allow the electrically operated components in the AC to reset.

Do all outside AC units have a reset button?

Not all air conditioning units have a reset button, but if yours does, it's typically located on the outdoor unit. Here's how to locate it: Turn Off the Power: Before you search for the reset button, ensure the power to the unit is turned off for safety reasons.

How do I know if my outside AC fuse is blown?

If you think your air conditioner has blown a fuse, the first sign you'll notice is that the outside AC unit is inoperable. The best way to check for a blown fuse is by using a voltmeter. Be warned — you are working with live electricity and should use extreme caution when troubleshooting your system.

Why is AC not blowing cold air?

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.

How do I force my AC to turn on?

Check Your Circuit Breaker

Locate your main circuit breaker and switch it back to the "On" position. Wait 30 seconds and turn on your air conditioner again. If it still doesn't work, you'll need to call a professional for help.

Does resetting an AC breaker help?

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.

Why is my AC not kicking on?

The main reasons your AC unit outside is not turning on could be something that has tripped the circuit breaker, something is blocking the fan's airflow, or the condensing unit is damaged. Other potential issues could be the thermostat isn't set correctly or the compressor could be malfunctioning.

How do I get my AC to kick on?

Follow these steps.
  1. Step 1: Check the thermostat. Make sure that your thermostat is set to "cool" and not "heat" (if it's set to heat, your AC won't turn on no matter what). ...
  2. Step 2: Check the air filter. ...
  3. Step 3: Check the circuit breakers. ...
  4. Step 4: Clear the condensate drain.

How to reset AC unit thermostat?

Here are the steps you need to take to reset your AC thermostat.
  1. Shut Down Your AC at the Thermostat. The first step in resetting your AC thermostat is to turn it off at the AC unit. ...
  2. Find Your Circuit Breaker Box. ...
  3. Reset the Circuit Breaker for Your AC Unit. ...
  4. Wait 30 Seconds. ...
  5. Turn the AC Thermostat Back On.

How can I get my AC to work again?

Central Air Conditioner is not Working
  1. Check the thermostat and adjust the settings if it isn't set to Cool and an appropriate temperature setting to call for cooling.
  2. Examine the house circuit breakers for the AC unit and reset any tripped breakers.
  3. Check the air filter and replace the filter if it's dirty.

Will AC turn on if fuse is blown?

Fuses play a vital role in maintaining the overall integrity of the AC system, ensuring its safe and reliable operation while also safeguarding against potential fire hazards that could arise from electrical failures. If the AC fuse blows, your air conditioner won't turn on.

How much does it cost to replace a fuse in an AC unit?

AC Fuse, Circuit Breaker, or Relay Replacement Cost

Expect to pay between $15 and $300 to have AC fuse and circuit breaker issues addressed or relays in your AC unit replaced. These projects do not usually take more than a couple of hours.

How do I reset my AC manually?

Some air conditioning systems have a reset switch, which is a small, red button. Typically, the button will be on the outdoor unit. If you have a problem locating it on the outdoor unit, you may find relevant details on the equipment's manufacturer's manual. Press the red button for three seconds and release.

How do I reset my outside air conditioning unit?

If your AC unit has a reset button on the condenser unit, you simply press it and hope that the problem resolves. Look for it first around on the exterior of your machine, especially along the bottom edge near the ground. An AC's reset button is typically red and visible, so it should be easy to spot.

How long to leave AC unit off to reset?

Shut off your system by hitting the isolation switch, wait 30 to 60 minutes and then turn it back on. This manual reboot fully disconnects your AC unit from power, allowing all electrical components to reset.

Why would an AC need to be reset?

The most common reason to reset an AC unit is when the protection circuit breaker in your AC unit kicks in. In most cases, the protection circuit breaker is triggered during a power outage and is designed to prevent fires and explosions.

Where is the AC breaker located?

Circuit breakers can be found in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. They are typically located in the main electrical panel, which is typically located in the basement or garage.

Why is my AC blowing hot air after power outage?

Power outages can cause refrigerant levels to drop, which can cause your A/C unit to blow warm air. Low refrigerant levels can also damage your compressor. If your air conditioning unit is blowing warm air, it could be a sign of low refrigerant levels.

Previous article
Do frameless shower doors leak more than framed shower doors?
Next article
What is the best homemade cleaner for hard water stains?