United Air Temp Blog How to Reset an Air Conditioner: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

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: Turn your thermostat from cool to off. Cut the power to the unit at the circuit breaker to avoid any risk of electrical shocks. 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: Shut off the air conditioner at the thermostat and breaker box. Find your system's reset button by inspecting the outdoor unit near the compressor or wiring. Press the reset button. Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute, then turn the breaker back on. 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