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Some common air conditioner problems will go away with a simple system reset. You might wonder, “Where is the reset button on the air conditioning unit?” Let us show you the right way to reset your air conditioner, so you’ll know what to do the next time a problem arises.
Do I Need to Reset My Air Conditioner?
Naturally, a reset will not fix every AC problem. Sometimes, the AC will need coolant or a new part. If there is a problem with the thermostat or the computer system, try resetting the AC before attempting invasive repairs.
Specific reasons that your AC might need a reset include:
- The thermostat is not sensing the temperature correctly.
- The computer system is locked up or not responding to the wall control or the phone app.
- You experienced a power outage recently, and your air conditioner started acting strange after the power came back on.
How Do I Reset My Air Conditioner?
The process of resetting an air conditioner is not too complicated, but the details are important. Follow the steps to turn the power off and reverse them to restore power. Performing the steps out of order could pose a safety risk or damage the electrical system in your air conditioner.
Look for a Reset Button on the Outdoor AC Unit
Where is the reset button on the air conditioning unit? Usually, it will be a red button on the outdoor unit, but not all air conditioners have a reset button.
If You Can’t Find a Reset Button
If you can’t find the reset button, use the following steps to resolve your AC issues.
Step 1: Locate the Power Switch by the Outdoor Unit
You might still wonder, “Where is the reset button on the air conditioning unit?” The exact position of the power switch varies depending on how the technician installed your AC system originally.
Typically, the switch will be on a wall of your house, drilled into the siding or brick. The switch should have a cover to protect it from the elements. Find the switch and flip it from the ON position to the OFF position.
Step 2: Cut Power to the AC at the Breaker
Next, enter your house and find the circuit breaker panel; identify which breaker switch goes to your air conditioning system. There is usually a space next to each breaker switch or a blank space on the breaker for the electrician to write down which rooms or appliances get power from each circuit. Find the one named “AC” and flip the switch.
If the circuit breaker switches don’t have labels or if none of them have the label “AC” or “Air Conditioner,” you might have to investigate. You may want to unplug some electronic devices or appliances before trying this next step, so they do not suffer any ill effects from flipping the switch.
Have a helper watch the thermostat on your AC unit (or watch it yourself if you have a phone app for your AC). Turn off the unlabeled breakers individually until your AC loses power. Once you have successfully broken the circuit to your AC, it should no longer have a connection to the power grid.
Step 3: Unplug Your AC Unit
Once you are certain that no power is flowing to your AC, unplug it.
Step 4: Wait a Half Hour
Once the air conditioner has been without power for 20 to 30 minutes, it should reset.
Step 5: Undo Steps One to Three in Reverse Order
Plug the air conditioning unit back in, flip the circuit breaker strip back to the ON position, and turn the air conditioner back on.
Step 6: Check Whether the Air Conditioning System Is Working
Check the thermostat panel or the app to see if resetting the air conditioner resolved the initial problem.
Rock Valley Services Answers Your Heating and Cooling Questions
You might have more questions about your air conditioner beyond “Where is the reset button on the air conditioning unit?” Perhaps you want to learn more about winterizing your air conditioner or are considering a mini-split system or other alternatives.
The Rock Valley HVAC team understands heating and cooling. Call 608-496-9988 to schedule an inspection, preventive maintenance, emergency repair, or AC upgrades. We’ll help you learn how to determine what size of furnace you’ll need or what type of air conditioning works best for you.
