
How to Reset an Air Conditioner
- Power down your AC. Start at your circuit breaker panel and flip the breaker that powers your AC. ...
- Find the button. Most air conditioning units are equipped with a reset button. ...
- Hold down the reset button for 3 to 5 seconds and then release.
- Restore power to your AC. Flip all switches, including the one in your breaker panel to the on position.
- Turn off your air conditioning system using the thermostat. ...
- Search for the breaker box. ...
- Shut off your AC unit at the breaker. ...
- Wait at least a full minute before switching the breaker back to the “on” position.
- Wait for 30 minutes before turning your unit back on at the thermostat.
How do I Reset my air conditioning unit?
The Hard Way: Manual Resetting
- Shutting the Power to the AC. First, you need to make sure that you shut off the power supply to your AC. ...
- Waiting for 30 Minutes. You need time for the charge in the system to dissipate before you reconnect the AC to your power grid.
- Plugging the AC Back In. Plug your AC back in, and then wait a few moments. ...
How do you reset an AC unit?
- Press the power button on your window air conditioner to turn it off. …
- Turn on your air conditioner and check the settings on your unit’s thermostat to see if they are back to the default settings. …
- Press the “Reset” button on your window air conditioner, if it has one.
Where is the reset button on an AC unit?
you will need to locate the 'Reset' button on the air conditioner's control panel. Often, the button is quite small but should be labelled and can frequently be found beneath the digital display. Next, press and hold down the 'Reset' button for 3 or more seconds and then release. The unit may not respond to this step.
How to reset your air conditioner unit?
Steps To Reset Your Air Conditioner Without A Reset Button
- Turn off the main power First, turn off the power to the indoor unit and the outdoor compressor. ...
- Unplugging Remove the plugs from the socket for both the outdoor and the indoor unit. ...
- Resetting

Do all AC units have a reset button?
Find the button. Most air conditioning units are equipped with a reset button. These buttons tend to be red and quite small. If you're having a tough time finding it, consult your owner's manual.
Where is the reset button on central air unit?
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 you don't see a reset button on the outside, it could be located inside the unit behind the service panel.
How long does it take for central air to reset?
about 30 minutesAfter you've turned the system back on, it will take a bit of time for the air conditioner's internal circuitry to reset. It usually takes about 30 minutes, so sit tight until then.
Why is my central air not working?
Some of the most common reasons a central air system stops working include: coolant has run too low, the air filters are blocked or dirty, the coils are frozen over, or there is an electrical issue. To help you troubleshoot what exactly is wrong with your central AC, we've detailed the most common issues below.
Where is the reset button?
Alternatively referred to as the reset switch, the reset button allows devices that utilize it, such as a computer or peripheral to be rebooted. Usually, the button is on the front of the device, next to or near the power button.
What would cause an AC unit to not turn on?
Several thermostat issues can cause your air conditioner not to turn on. One of the most common problems is disconnected or lose wires. If the wires are frayed, not connected, or dirty, your air conditioner will not be able to turn on. Another common problem is a faulty thermostat.
Is there a reset button on a thermostat?
Reset the Thermostat Common methods for resetting a thermostat include installing the battery backward for five seconds, pushing a recessed reset button with a pin or paper clip, or shutting off the breaker to the thermostat for 30 seconds.
Where is the AC breaker located?
0:362:41How to Check Your HVAC Circuit Breakers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to have one set labeled air conditioner. This is for your outside unit. You're going toMoreYou're going to have one set labeled air conditioner. This is for your outside unit. You're going to have a separate one for your inside unit which for the furnace or air handler.
Where is the AC breaker located?
0:362:41How to Check Your HVAC Circuit Breakers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to have one set labeled air conditioner. This is for your outside unit. You're going toMoreYou're going to have one set labeled air conditioner. This is for your outside unit. You're going to have a separate one for your inside unit which for the furnace or air handler.
Where is the safety switch on AC unit?
If you have a horizontal unit, the safety switch will be located in the secondary drain pan. If, on the other hand, you own a horizontal unit that doesn't have a secondary drain pan or you have a vertical unit, then the safety switch will be on the drainpipe.
What causes outside AC unit to stop working?
Check the circuit breaker and see if there is a blown fuse. There could have been a blown fuse to the circuit breaker that caused the outside AC unit to stop working correctly. A blown fuse is caused by an overloaded circuit breaker, which can happen if the AC unit is overworked or the wires are loose and aging.
How do you reset an air conditioner safety switch?
To reset the switch, the water within the emergency drain pan must be removed. A shop vacuum is the best technique to suck the water out. The system should turn back on once the water level is low enough for the switch to reset.
How do I reset my portable air conditioner?
Here's how you can reset your portable air conditioning system: 1. Turn off the unit and circuit breaker 2. Firmly push the 'reset' switch and leav...
How long does it take for an AC unit to reset?
Though it varies from model to model, the average time an air conditioner takes to reset is about 30-minute. Once you unplug it, sit tight for at l...
How do I reset my AC thermostat?
Here's how to reset your AC thermostat: 1. First, switch off your thermostat 2. Locate the circuit that powers the AC and switch it off 3. Wait for...
What happens if you don't reset your AC after the power outage?
It's essential to reset your unit every time there's a power outage; otherwise, it can cause severe damage to your unit, circuit breaker, etc. In a...
Where Is The Reset Button Found On Central AC Units?
If your air conditioning system comes with a reset switch on a condenser unit, press it, and it will do the job. But where is it located?
What To Do If Your Central AC Won’t Reset?
If your AC unit still won’t reset and work appropriately, you should call an HVAC professional.
Why Do I Need to Reset My Air Conditioner?
The most common reason for an AC unit requiring a reset is when the protection circuit breaker in your AC unit kicks in. This typically happens after a power outage and is in place to prevent fires and explosions.
What to do if your reset doesn't work?
When the reset doesn’t seem to be working, it’s time to contact the HVAC professionals at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.
Do window air conditioners reset?
Since most window air conditioners do not have a reset button, you’ll need to unplug it for a few minutes to dissipate the charge.
Do air conditioners need a reset?
Like many appliances around your house, air conditioners are getting smarter and sometimes require a good old-fashioned reset. Even older models that suddenly stop working can benefit from a reset, especially after a power outage.
How do you reset your AC unit?
1. Turn off your air conditioning system using the thermostat. You don’t want it to call your AC unit for cooling until after you’ve finished resetting it.
What is a circuit breaker?
Generally speaking, a circuit breaker is a safety switch that protects your unit by immediately shutting it down when an overload is detected. This prevents fires and explosions.
Why won't my AC kick on?
In the case of a power outage, your AC unit may not fully kick on due to the protection circuit breaker preventing fires and explosions. Another reason you may want to reset your AC unit is if it’s set to “cool” but isn’t blowing cool air.
Can you reset an AC unit after a breaker is tripped?
Sometimes after a breaker is tripped, however, 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 central air not working?
Here are 7 reasons why your central air might not be responding. 1. Thermostat Issues. Check the AC thermostat first. It must be powered on with a functional battery before you have any hope of the air conditioner working. You also should check that the thermostat is not broken and is properly calibrated. In addition, ensure that it is switched ...
What happens if your AC breaker is blown?
So if the AC’s breaker has tripped or its fuse has blown (for a pre-1970 house), your air conditioner will not be turning on. Go to your electrical panel and reset the breaker or replace the fuse. If the breaker immediately re-trips, you’ve got an overloaded circuit, ...
Why is my AC not turning on?
Clogged Air Filter. A dirty, clogged air filter could be the culprit when your air conditioner’s not turning on, just as it is the reason behind so many other HVAC problems. (You need an unrestricted flow of air around your heating and cooling system so they can work their best.)
What is a condenser in a yard?
The condenser (the large square unit outside in your yard) must be connected to your household electricity supply. Ensure that this essential component is securely plugged in, and have a qualified technician check that the electrical connections are not loose. If it still doesn’t work, you might need to have the motor replaced. 7.
Why won't my AC turn on?
The motor works as the “heart” of your air conditioner, keeping the whole system going. So if your motor has worn out, no matter what switches you adjust, the AC won’t turn on. Ask an expert to inspect the motor and let you know whether air conditioning repair is an option.
Can you have too much cold?
Yes, you can have too much of a good thing… in this case, too much cold. When your AC freezes up — usually either the evaporator (indoors) or condenser (outdoors) coils — you might have a problem with the air conditioner not turning on — or at best, turning on but not cooling). It’s important to turn the central air off and allow ...
