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.
The main reason for resetting your cooling system is a tripped breaker. Like most electrical appliances, an air conditioning unit has its own individual circuit breaker — two, to be exact. One operates on the outside, while the other operates on the inside.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check these issues when the unit won't kick on: Check the thermostat and adjust the settings if it isn't set to Cool and an appropriate temperature setting to call for cooling. Examine the house circuit breakers for the AC unit and reset any tripped breakers. Check the air filter and replace the filter if it's dirty.
In Short. Dirty air filters are usually the most common problem that air conditioners face. Faulty motors are another common issue that air conditioners face and that can impact the cooling system. If the AC stops cooling suddenly, the thermostat should be checked.
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.
If your AC is running but not cooling, it could be due to a dirty air filter, incorrect thermostat settings, a malfunctioning thermostat, a refrigerant leak, dirty condenser coils, blocked vents or ducts, a faulty compressor, frozen evaporator coils, or electrical issues.
Professional AC Control Board Replacement. Some homeowners might be tempted to tackle the replacement themselves, especially since the control board itself typically costs between $100-$300 dollars. However, DIY repairs are not recommended when dealing with this important AC component.
Resetting your thermostat is an easy first step in troubleshooting temperature control issues. If problems persist after a reset, you should contact an HVAC technician for additional diagnostics and repairs.
Most air conditioners come with a reset button attached to the compressor unit. Typically, it is a red button and is very visible to an onlooker. To reset your air conditioner, all you have to do is press the button, and you won't have to worry about all the heavy lifting.
Reset the AC Using the Isolation Switch
The isolation switch looks like an ordinary light switch with a knob. 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.
Frozen Coil
This is one of the most common air conditioner problems. There are many reasons that could cause a frozen coil. The reasons could range from low refrigerant levels to mechanical failures.
A common reason your air conditioning unit may not be cooling is due to dirty filters. Pollen, dust, pet dander, and other particles can accumulate on your filter and obstruct airflow. Your system will continue to run but with significantly decreased cooling capability.
Sometimes, the thermostat simply has dead batteries or a wiring issue that is preventing it from sending the correct signal to the AC unit. Replacing the batteries or checking the wiring may solve the problem. If the thermostat malfunctions completely, it may need to be replaced to restore the AC's functionality.
Make sure the outside unit is turned on (there's probably a switch near the unit). If the outside unit has a separate circuit breaker, check your circuit box and make sure it hasn't been tripped. A more serious issue if the outside air conditioning unit's not working is a broken compressor, capacitor or fan.
A sure sign of a bad AC capacitor is a humming sound from within the access panel. Any humming noises indicate a problem with the air conditioning system or the components of the AC unit. Try turning the power on and off again to see if it was a one-time issue with the motor or a recurring problem.