When your AC stops working or isn’t cooling like it used to, your first instinct might be to call a professional; however, you may be able to reset your unit yourself, restoring its performance. For certain issues, a quick reset can get things back on track without needing expensive repairs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of resetting your air conditioner safely and effectively so you can stay cool and comfortable all season long.

Why You Might Need to Reset Your Air Conditioner

Resetting your AC unit is often the first troubleshooting step before calling a technician.

Power outages, electrical surges, thermostat malfunctions, and sensor errors can disrupt your unit’s performance and prevent it from cooling as it should.

Fortunately, these problems are often temporary, and a simple reset can resolve them and restore normal operation, saving you time, money, and headaches.

Safety Precautions Before Resetting Your AC

When attempting to reset a system yourself, you must always follow proper safety measures:

1. Turn your thermostat from cool to off.
2. Cut the power to the unit at the circuit breaker to avoid any risk of electrical shocks.
3. If your unit has been running recently, let it cool down before you begin so that you don’t burn yourself.

How to Reset a Central Air Conditioner

Follow the steps below to properly reset your central air conditioning unit:

1. Shut off the air conditioner at the thermostat and breaker box.
2. Find your system’s reset button by inspecting the outdoor unit near the compressor or wiring.
3. Press the reset button.
4. Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute, then turn the breaker back on.
5. Wait a few additional minutes before restarting your unit from the thermostat.

The button is often small and red or yellow. For more help, check your user manual.

How to Reset a Window or Portable Air Conditioner

Resetting a window or portable air conditioner is usually a quick and easy process. Here’s how to do so safely and effectively:

1. Turn off the AC unit and unplug it from the power outlet.
2. Leave your unit unplugged for about 5 minutes to allow your system to reset internally.
3. After, plug the AC unit back into the outlet, turn it on, and see if it operates efficiently.

If your unit has a dedicated reset button on either the power cord or on the control panel, press and hold it for a few seconds until you hear a click or see an indicator light. Then, try turning the unit on again.

For units with a GFCI plug, press the “Test” button followed by the “Reset” button to restore power.

If your system still won’t turn on, ensure the outlet is working correctly by plugging in another device.

What to Do If Resetting Doesn’t Work

If resetting doesn’t solve the problem, check the thermostat and replace the batteries if needed.

You should also double-check the thermostat settings. It should be set to cool with the fan set to auto. The temperature setting should be lower than the current internal temperature.

If this doesn’t work, it’s time to call an HVAC technician. Some issues can indicate deeper problems, such as low refrigerant levels, faulty wiring, or a malfunctioning compressor, which require professional attention.

Choose United Air Temp for AC Services Today!

Established in 1931, United Air Temp is your top resource for exceptional air conditioning solutions. We offer 24/7 emergency repairs and same-day services, ensuring we build strong customer relationships with every project we take on.

We provide upfront pricing, quality craftsmanship, and a complete satisfaction guarantee, with on-time scheduling and a 2-hour arrival window for repair and maintenance services.

At United Air Temp, we’re committed to you. Schedule reliable AC repair in Baltimore, MD, DC Metro, Northern Virginia, Atlanta, GA, Jacksonville, FL, or Orlando, FL.