AC Quit? Here’s How to Reset It  

It’s a sweltering summer day in Fort Lauderdale, and you’re relieved you have central air conditioning. But then you find your air conditioner behaving oddly or not cooling like it is supposed to. Before you fret, try resetting your air conditioning system. This simple step often fixes small issues and gets your system back up and running.

Why Would I Want to Reset My Central Air?

Every single AC has a protection circuit breaker. This safety apparatus stops electrical problems, such as fires or explosions, that could happen from power surges or outages. When the circuit trips, resetting your air conditioner becomes necessary to get it operating again.

Another time to reset the AC is if your unit is blowing warm air when it is supposed to be producing cool air. In this situation, the culprit might be a thermostat problem. Occasionally, a simple reset is all it takes to correct the issue.

Then again, it’s crucial to approach this task with caution. If you’re uneasy about resetting the AC on your own, contact a professional for help. Additionally, know that tampering with your unit’s internal parts might void your warranty, so always check the guidelines before going ahead.

5 Strategies for Resetting Your Home’s AC

When simple issues develop, a reset is a good way to get started. Here are five simple tips to reset an air conditioner.

1. Reset Your Circuit Breaker

Your home’s electrical panel houses the breakers for all your electrical circuits, including a specific one for your home comfort system. If the AC is having trouble after a power surge or outage, try this strategy first.

Identify the electrical panel—frequently found in the garage, basement, crawlspace or utility closet—and look for the switch labeled for your HVAC system. If the circuits aren’t marked, you might have to experiment. Flick the circuit breaker off, wait 30 minutes, and then flip it on again. Then, turn the air conditioning back on, verify that the thermostat is set to “cool” and observe how the unit works.

2. Hit the Reset Button

If your air conditioner has a reset switch, this is the easiest way to clear any minor bugs in the system. This small, red button is probably on or near the outdoor condensing unit, perhaps under a panel marked “Reset”. If you cannot find it, reference your AC’s owner’s manual or pull one up online.

Here are ways to reset an AC using the reset button:

1. Set your thermostat to the “off” setting.

2. Hit the circuit breaker that powers your AC.

3. Click and hold the reset button for three to five seconds.

4. Restore power to your AC by flicking the circuit breaker back on.

5. Finally, set the thermostat to “cool” and set it to a temperature slightly colder than the current indoor temperature. The AC should turn on within a few seconds. If the air blowing from the registers is cool, you’re good to go!

3. Hit the Isolation Switch 

If you aren’t able to locate a reset button, go for the isolation switch that is usually found around the outside unit. This safety feature allows you to cut off power to the air conditioner when the unit malfunctions without compromising the rest of your home’s electricity. It typically looks like a dial with an “on” and “off” position.

Power down the AC by flipping the isolation switch, wait 30 to 60 minutes and then flip the switch again to turn it on again. This manual reboot fully disconnects your air conditioning from power, allowing all electrical equipment to reset.

4. Unplug the Air Conditioner 

Is your air conditioning system still not operating the way it should? The next AC reset method is to unplug the equipment. First, identify the shutoff panel near the outside unit and turn off the power to the compressor. Next, unplug the air conditioner from the power supply board. Leave the unit unplugged for a minimum of 30 minutes to let any residual charge dissipate from the internal components, clearing any errors and giving the HVAC a new start. If your cooling system still fails to work after plugging it back in, the socket could be bad. You’ll need a technician to repair this situation.

5. Call a Professional

If nothing else works, or you’re not feeling confident in attempting the DIY tips above, hiring a pro is your best bet. A certified HVAC technician can reset your system using special tools and diagnose underlying issues that might not be resolved with a simple reset.

AC Still Not Working? Call the Pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If you’ve attempted resetting your air conditioning yourself and it’s still not working, don’t worry—Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Our ACE-certified technicians provide reliable, durable AC repair, with your satisfaction guaranteed. If you’re not entirely happy with our AC services in Fort Lauderdale, we’ll make it right! Get a hold of us at 954-736-4314 today to experience the difference we can make in your life and comfort level!

Savings For You

See All Offers Here >
Offer

10% OFF FOR ACTIVE DUTY OR VETERANS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

10% OFF Any Product or Service*
For all Active-Duty, Retired, and Veteran Military Personnel 

  • It’s our way of thanking you for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice to protect our freedom
  • All worked performed by licensed experts, and backed by a written, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Service Experts is proud to be affiliated with Military Makeover and Hiring Our Heroes

print
Offer

THREE LIMITED-TIME WAYS TO SAVE WITH AN ADVANTAGE PROGRAM BUNDLE

  • Bundle two HVAC systems through the Advantage Program and save $20 a month!
  • Bundle an HVAC and a Water Heater or Water Treatment System through the Advantage Program and save $15 a month!
  • Bundle a Water Heater a Water Treatment System or Indoor Air Quality through the Advantage Program and save $10 a month!

print

© 2025 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.