A well-functioning AC unit is necessary for maintaining the comfort of your home, particularly in hotter months. Should your AC malfunction, it helps to distinguish between issues you can solve by resetting your unit and those that call for AC replacement. The technicians at Mr. Furnace are experts at troubleshooting AC issues and can help you determine the best way to fix a unit malfunction. Here are some cases when we recommend using your AC reset button:
How the AC Reset Button Works
The AC reset button is found on your unit’s control panel or the outdoor unit. This button serves as a reboot mechanism that allows you to clear minor electric faults that may affect the AC unit’s operation. Using the reset button could help resolve minor issues, but if you must reset your unit frequently, you may need AC replacement services. Here are four instances when you can reset your AC unit to restore its functionality:
Power Outages
AC units have a protective mechanism that activates whenever there are electrical disturbances to prevent damage caused by power surges. Your AC unit may sometimes fail to kick back on after a power outage due to this protective system. If your AC fails to turn back on after an outage, you might need to reset it manually. Turn off the thermostat and the circuit breaker before resetting your unit to prevent electrical hazards. Locate the reset button, press it for a few seconds, then release it. Then, turn the power on at the circuit breaker. You should hear beeping as your AC system restarts.
If you cannot locate the reset button, turn off your unit’s circuit breaker for a few minutes and then turn it back on to reset its operation. Set the thermostat to the cooling function at a lower temperature than the room’s current reading, and your AC should resume its operation.
Thermostat Errors
If there is a communication issue between your thermostat and the cooling unit, your AC may not know when to activate the fan. Resetting your unit restores communication between the thermostat and cooler, allowing them to operate in sync. Some programmable thermostats have a built-in reset button, which can be used to restart the thermostat individually rather than reset the entire AC unit. Manufacturers often make this button very small to keep people from pressing it accidentally. You may need to use a small pin or an unfolded paper clip to press the thermostat’s reset button.
AC Compressor Malfunctions
An air conditioner’s compressor transfers heat from the refrigerant to the condenser, removing the heat from the air that enters the AC unit. When a compressor malfunctions, it cannot effectively circulate refrigerant, causing your unit to release warm air. A failed compressor may also cause the AC unit to overheat, and resetting it might resolve electrical glitches interfering with operations.
Turn off the circuit breaker attached to your cooling unit, and use the master shutoff switch near the outdoor unit to turn off your compressor. Let your system rest for a few minutes to allow its internal components to cool off. After the unit has cooled, press the reset button and turn on the circuit breaker and the compressor’s shut-off switch. You should hear a hum as the AC system turns back on and the compressor resumes its normal function. If your compressor is still not working after the reset, contact our AC technicians for a professional assessment.
Seasonal Startup
When turning an AC unit on for the first time after it sits idle during the cold months, it may need a reset to kick-start its operation. Before restarting your AC after a long idle season, call the maintenance experts at Mr. Furnace for a system tune-up. During seasonal maintenance, we inspect your unit, replacing and repairing any defective components. We replace dirty filters, clean the coils, replenish refrigerant levels, and flush the condensate drain. We also lubricate your system’s moving parts and tighten any loose wires and connections. After the maintenance service, we use the reset button to restart your air conditioner and test it to check if it is operating optimally. The reset eliminates system errors, helping the unit start up properly despite the extended period of inactivity.
Get Help Resetting Your AC Replacement Unit
Resetting your air conditioning unit is an effective solution for minor issues like malfunctions, electrical issues, and system errors. The reset button turns off your unit and turns it on again, allowing its components to resume operations efficiently. If resetting your unit does not restore its proper functionality, it may be time to get a new unit. The technicians at Mr. Furnace have experience with all AC models and can help you reset your new unit and guide you on its settings. Contact us for AC replacement services and help setting up your new system today.
