Step-by-step Process on How To Reset Your Air Conditioning Unit Properly

Step-by-step Process on How To Reset Your Air Conditioning Unit Properly

Most home appliances have a mechanism that you as the owner can use to restart them in case they hit a snag. Particularly, the air conditioning unit can be restarted when or if it starts working abnormally. This resetting approach is meant to restore its functionality. In this article, we discuss the process of resetting an AC unit, among other relevant topics.

What Does Resetting an AC Mean?

As we started by saying, an air conditioning unit can experience different types of faults. We will talk about the common problems associated with AC units in another section.

Resetting an AC unit means identifying the underlying problem and fixing it. In most cases, when an AC needs resetting, the problem is usually not mechanical but technical. It could happen due to improper thermostat settings or something related.

When you reset an air conditioning unit, you restore its functionality to what it was before it broke down. In other words, the default settings. This reset will clear the fault in the system. To elaborate, imagine what happens when you restart a slow computer and it starts working optimally again. This is the same logic that is used to restore an air conditioning unit.

Steps on How to Reset the AC Unit

Resetting your air conditioning unit is a process that you need to follow from the first to the last step for it to work as intended. Let us discuss these steps and what exactly you are required to do in each step.

Additionally, keep in mind that these steps might vary depending on the type of air conditioning unit you have. Therefore, it is always recommended to liaise with the manufacturer if you are not sure of something.

Turn off the circuit breaker

You should start by disconnecting the circuit breaker of the AC unit. This breaker is located at the main power source, mostly near the outdoor unit. It has a button that has an OFF switch that you will flip.

Turning off the circuit breaker cuts the power supply to the AC unit. This is important since it allows the reset to work without interference of power. Also, it is a safety measure that will ensure that the reset does not backfire and cause a hazard.

Turn off the AC main switch from outside

After turning off the circuit breaker, you will proceed to cut the power supply completely to the air conditioner. This is done using the main switch that is located just adjacent to the breaker. Toggle the flip to an OFF position. This will completely isolate the AC from the main power line. It works the same as the breaker switch.

Press and hold the reset button until it restarts

This is the step where the actual resetting happens. Most if not all AC units come with a manual reset button that is meant for resetting the system. If you look around your unit, specifically the outdoor unit, you will see a red button. Alternatively, you can check the AC manual booklet and it will clearly label the reset button.

Proceed to press and hold this red button for about 5 seconds. There might be immediate feedback from the air conditioner to indicate that the reset has worked. Some will have an LED light that will flash, others will produce a beep sound. But ideally, pressing and holding the button should reset your AC unit even though you will not get any feedback.

Turn on the power back

In this step, you will restore power to the AC unit. This should help you figure out if the reset worked or not. However, you will not immediately tell if it worked. This will come in the next step of the process. Restoring power to the AC to facilitate the functionality of the electrical components of the air conditioner.

Reset the thermostat to cool

In most cases, we reset the AC unit if the blower is not blowing cold air when it is hot. In theory, resetting is supposed to re-calibrate the cooling cycles and facilitate the flow of cold air inside the space. Go on your thermostat and set it to cool. Then you should wait and take note of whether it blows cold air in the room. If it does not, it means that the reset did not solve the issue. You will have to contact your local HVAC technician for further help.

Reasons to Reset Your AC Unit

Most people wonder how they are supposed to know if their air conditioner needs a reset. If you are among these people, the following reasons could help you figure it out.

AC not turning on

Essentially, this means that when you turn on the AC, it does not turn on, let alone respond to commands.

This can happen if or when the thermostat stops working, has incorrect settings, or when there is a problem with the power supply. To fix this issue, you are supposed to either check whether the thermostat batteries have charged, reset the thermostat, or replace the circuit breaker. One of these approaches might fix the problem.

AC blowing hot instead of cold air

One of the most common problems associated with AC units is when it does not blow cold air when it is expected to. There are several explanations for this occurrence, and one or a combination of multiple could be responsible.

Clogging of the air filter could be hindering or blocking the flow of cool air from the air outlet. This clogging is usually caused by the accumulation of debris as air flows in and out of the space. The solution to this problem is to replace the air filter.

Other common causes of this problem include low refrigerant, leaky air ducts, incorrectly sized AC units, and faulty condensers. As you can see, there is a whole lot that can cause AC to not blow cool air inside your home.

AC leaking water

Air conditioners are supposed to drain water through the drain pipe that is installed outside the house. However, if you notice that the water is leaking inside the house, there might be a problem requiring urgent attention.

In most cases, this is caused when the condensate drain is clogged. The condensate drain is responsible for holding the water that is produced as the AC is running. This water is then supposed to be drained out via the drain. This problem required technical help to remove the build-up so as to avoid freezing which can cause more damage.

Air duct accumulating mold

The air duct in your AC unit can accumulate mold over time. This is caused by poor ventilation, humid weather, and excess moisture. These can be prevented by ensuring you live in well-ventilated rooms, having the right size of AC, and cleaning the drain frequently.

Tell-tale signs of mold inside the air duct include musty odor, allergic reactions, and problems breathing. This can cause the AC to stop working, which would therefore require you to reset it to default settings.

Irregular cooling cycles

Air conditioners are smart to know when to blow cold or hot air. In other words, one of the modes kicks in at the right time. Short cycling is the explanation for this occurrence. It is a situation where the AC turns off and on repeatedly without a schedule.

Irregular cooling cycles can be caused by faults in the wiring system, openings, and incorrect settings on the thermostat. All these need to be fixed for the AC to resume its cooling and heating schedule.

Benefits of Resetting Your AC Unit

There are several benefits of restoring the functionality of your AC. Let us discuss some of these benefits.

Restore system defaults

When you first installed your AC unit, there are settings that you made that have been keeping your house cool when it is hot and warm when it is cold. When these settings are interfered with, it can get frustrating. However, a reset procedure helps you make new settings. Therefore, it means that you can go back to enjoying the ambiance that air conditioners provide.

Improve AC efficiency

An efficient air conditioner works optimally without using too many resources such as electricity or refrigerant. This can only work if the AC is functioning properly. Therefore, you need to reset it if you notice that it is consuming too much power or freon. Moreover, when the AC is efficient, it means that you will get better air quality in the house.

Better air quality

The quality of air that is circulating in your home or office is critical. Dirty air can cause ailments such as respiratory problems. This can be avoided when the AC is working properly. Replacing air filters and recalibrating the thermostat is a good place to start.

Longer lifespan

An air conditioner’s lifespan is dependent on factors such as its ability to maintain a cooling and heating cycle. When this cycle is affected, the unit can start deteriorating. On top of this, ensure that you have a consistent maintenance schedule.

Conclusion

Air conditioners are expected to hit a snag in the course of their lifespan. Issues like irregular cooling cycles can be fixed with a simple reset. The steps described above will help you recover the functionality of your AC unit. Start by keeping an eye out for the reasons that indicate when the AC requires a reset and follow the procedure as outlined.