The hot, humid summers of Glastonbury, CT, will almost always have you hearing the whirring of an air conditioner. But, when those noises turn to clunking, rattling, or the worst noise an air conditioner can make in the summer — silence — it’ll have you looking for answers. You may start to wonder how to reset your air conditioner.
Like with other technology, you may think a “turning it off and on again” approach can be beneficial. You’d be right to think that way. After a power outage/circuit overload, or if you’re having trouble with your AC unit, going through the AC system reboot process can help.
But how exactly do you go about doing that? From the process to helpful tips, here is everything you need to know when resetting your AC and who to call for premium HVAC services in Glastonbury, CT.
Why Resetting Your AC Works
To understand why resetting your HVAC system works, it can help to know just how your AC unit works.
Very basically, your AC unit pulls warm air into your home, where a liquid chemical known as a refrigerant absorbs that heat. The refrigerant, trapped in sealed tubing, turns into a gas. The gas then passes through the condenser and turns back into a liquid, and the process repeats until your home achieves the desired temperature.
Resetting your AC doesn’t just allow for the electrical components to reset, but the physical components, such as the condenser, will return to neutral.
The AC Reset Procedure
The air conditioner restart steps can vary from unit to unit, but in general, you should be able to follow this guideline:
Turn off the Power
Turning off the power helps ensure your safety and, if the AC issue is electrical, prevents the problem from worsening.
For outdoor units, flip the breaker at your circuit panel that powers your air conditioner. There may also be a power switch on the actual unit, so be sure to have that in the “off” position as well.
For indoor, or in-window, units, press the power button to turn off the unit. For an extra safety measure, you can also unplug the unit.
Hold The Reset Button
Most air conditioners have a built-in reset button that resets the inner machinery. The reset button will be accompanied by noticeable lettering that spells out “RESET.” Your owner’s manual will have the location of the button if you are having a difficult time finding it.
Hold the button for three to five seconds to reset your AC unit. Once done, you should hear beeps from the unit, confirming the reset, although this may vary from unit to unit. Consult your owner’s manual to know what you can expect when resetting your air conditioning unit.
Restore Power
Now that the unit has been reset, you can undo the steps taken to turn off the power. Reset the break at the circuit panel and flip the power switch on your air conditioner, if you have an outdoor unit. For indoor units, you can simply plug the power cord back into the outlet and press the power button again.
See if That Helped
Once your unit has been reset, it’s time to test it. Start by setting the thermostat for your air conditioner to cool. Make sure the temperature is set to below room temp so that the AC can immediately kick in. If cool air begins to flow without any trouble, you’ve just learned how to reset your air conditioner and can fight off that Glastonbury, CT, summer heat.
“Help! I Can’t Find the Reset Button on My AC”
The reset button should have large lettering to help you identify it. Common places the reset button can be on your air conditioner include:
- The side
- Underneath window units
- Near, or right next to, the power switch
- On the backside panel of the unit
If you’re having trouble finding the reset button and the owner’s manual isn’t helping, you may be able to find the information online.
AC Reset vs. AC Repair – What’s the Difference in Glastonbury, CT?
Now that you’ve learned how to reset your air conditioner, it’s time to learn the difference between a reset and the need for a repair. Just like with your computer or other electrical devices, an air conditioner reset can help solve small issues. Larger concerns could all point to the need for repair, such as:
- Poor cooling
- Extensive cooling times
- Weak airflow
- Smell coming from the unit
- A change to your electricity bill
- Unexpected noises
Sometimes, an air conditioner reset or even a full repair isn’t enough to keep the Glastonbury, CT, heat at bay. If you’ve been facing extensive issues with your heating and cooling, you may need experts capable of replacing your HVAC system.
The Best Way To Reset an Air Conditioner in Glastonbury, CT? SM Mechanical Services
Knowing how to reset your air conditioner can help you keep cool in the summer. But when the problem gets too big for a simple reset to handle, knowing who to call matters. At SM Mechanical Services, we take pride in providing premium, reliable, and effective solutions to all HVAC problems.
It can also be beneficial to call in the experts for a consultative inspection that lets you know potential problem areas that need attention. By being proactive, you can prevent any hiccups that may leave you stressed and sweating.
Whether it’s weak AC airflow, no airflow, air that’s cold when you need it warm, or air that’s warm when you need it cold, the premium HVAC solutions provided by SM Mechanical Services have kept Glastonbury, CT, content and comfortable. With over a hundred 5-star reviews, we’re sure to have your air conditioner whirring all summer.
You know how to reset your air conditioner and now you know who to call! To schedule your quote or to hear about SM Mechanical Services’ specials, call us today at 860-530-2671.