An air conditioning system works to keep your home environment comfortable and cool during hot weather. Like most appliances, this system is prone to problems as well, and sometimes doesn’t function as well as you expect it to. Most people instinctively call the air conditioning repair service provider when they face problems with their unit. But there are some steps you can take to resolve the problem on your own. For example, if your A/C replacement isn’t functioning as you expected it to after a power outage, you can try resetting it.
Why Do You Need to Reset?
You need to reset the air conditioner because the circuit breaker is engaged and isn’t allowing the compressor to start. The circuit breaker will pop if there’s a surge in power supply or if there’s a sudden black-out or brown-out. This part of the system works to protect the air conditioning unit and prevent problems like fires and explosions. The circuit breaker is an essential component of any unit and shouldn’t be bypassed. You might also need to reset your whole air conditioning unit if the thermostat is malfunctioning and isn’t set to cool.
How Do You Reset the Air Conditioning System?
Before you attempt to reset the air conditioner, ensure that you have regular power supply and the current is flowing uniformly. If you have experienced a recent brown-out, switch on a light and check the brightness to ensure you’re receiving full power. Once you’re certain, you can move on and reset the unit. Here’s what you need to do:
- Find the Reset Button – Many air conditioning units will have a reset button on them. The button is usually red in color and fairly small in size. It should be marked clearly as a reset button. You can consult the instructions manual to determine if your air conditioning unit has that button, and find its location.
- Press The Button – Once you find the button, press it continuously for 3 seconds and release it. After a few moments, press the button again for 3 seconds. Your air conditioning unit will respond with three beeps. The system should be reset immediately.
If your AC Doesn’t Have a Reset Button
If your air conditioner doesn’t have a reset button, you need to reset it manually. That doesn’t take too much time or effort. Manual reset isn’t complicated, and all you need to do is follow the steps mentioned below:
- Shut the Power Supply Off – There should be a shut off panel next to your outdoor compressor unit. The main AC wire will be plugged into this unit and it will always be switched on in normal circumstances. Flip the switch off and move on to locate the 240-volt circuit in the main electrical panel in your home. You need to switch that off as well. That will completely cut all power supply to your air conditioning unit.
- Unplug – Just as an added precaution to ensure the AC unit is completely off the grid, unplug it from the power supply board and disconnect the system.
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Wait for 30 Minutes – You don’t have to wait too long to reconnect the system but it’s a good idea not to reconnect it too quickly either. You need to make sure all the lingering charge in the system dissipates before you reconnect the air conditioner back to the power grid. 30 minutes is enough time for the internal systems to reset completely.
Plug it In – Plug the system in after a few moments have passed. You don’t need to switch the air conditioner back on immediately at this point.
Switch on the Power Supply – Once the air conditioner is connected, go back to the main 240-volt switchboard and switch it on. Then come back to the plug point near the external unit and switch it on. Make sure your thermostat is set to “cool” before you switch the power on completely.
If you follow these steps, your air conditioner will work as you expect it to. If your air conditioner still doesn’t cool effectively, try to check the thermostat and clean the filter. Dirty filters can obstruct airflow and compromise the cooling efficiency of the machine. Once the thermostat is on the right setting and the filter is clean, run the air conditioner once again to test if it cools effectively.
When Do You Need to Call a Professional?
You need to call a professional if your air conditioning unit’s circuit breaker keeps tripping and is slow to cooling down. This is an indication of a more severe problem that should be addressed quickly. You should also call a professional if the breaker panel doesn’t have its protective covering and wires leading up to the outdoor compressor unit are exposed.
If you reset the air conditioner in such conditions, you’ll put your safety at risk. Exposed wires can create sparks and cause fires. A loose connection or exposed wire inside the system can also cause surge in the power and trip the circuit breaker often. These surges can damage the air conditioning unit permanently and force you to purchase an AC replacement.
You can’t keep resetting your air conditioner repeatedly without causing problems to the system. A professional will examine your air conditioner carefully and determine why it needs to be reset so often. They will also check the refrigerant levels, examine the compressor, and clean all fans and filters.
Regular Maintenance is Important
You should also maintain your air conditioning unit regularly to ensure it functions without interruption. A poorly maintained air conditioner will develop problems more frequently. Experts recommend that you get your unit serviced at least once in a year.
The service technician will spot any frayed and damaged wires and replace them. That will decrease the likelihood of the air conditioner’s circuit breaker tripping or the unit not cooling efficiently. You can also do some at-home maintenance by cleaning the filter regularly as well.