Living in the Peach State means living in a hot and humid environment. Your air conditioner is the first line of defense against discomfort, heat-related illnesses, and humidity damage in your home, so when your home AC isn’t cooling properly, it’s a problem.
At Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, our HVAC technicians are ready to help you with any air conditioning issue. Whether you need a full system replacement, comprehensive AC repair services, or a thermostat upgrade in Central Georgia, we provide professional, affordable heating and cooling assistance so you don’t have to worry.
Why Your Home AC Might Not Be Cooling Properly
If your air conditioner isn’t keeping your house cool, it could be a simple issue with the thermostat settings or a minor malfunction due to a power surge or an outage. Air conditioners run off complex computer systems, and at times, temporary glitches occur. One of the first troubleshooting steps homeowners can take is to manually reset the system.
How To Reset Your Air Conditioner: Step-by-Step
An AC system reset is similar to a computer reboot. The system shuts down and then restarts the air conditioner, often resolving minor issues caused by a power outage or a minor glitch.
The following are general steps for how to reset your air conditioner. Be sure to consult your user manual before resetting the system to be certain you’re doing it correctly.
Step 1: Find and press the reset button
Locate the reset button on your air conditioner. It’ll probably be on the outside unit, close to the base. Press the button and hold it for a few seconds. Depending on the model, pressing the button may be enough to reset the system. In other cases, you’ll need to complete a full power reset.
Step 2: Turn the power off
Before shutting the power down, turn the thermostat off first, then find the circuit breaker that controls the power to your air conditioner on your electrical panel. Switch it to the “off” position.
Step 3: Wait 1 to 30 minutes
An air conditioner takes some time to fully reset because internal components need time to discharge. AC models vary, so be sure to check your user manual to find the time it takes to clear any possible error codes and glitches.
Step 4: Turn the power back on
After waiting the appropriate length of time, restore power to the AC unit by flipping the switch back to the on position in the electrical panel.
Step 5: Test the AC
Once the power is back on, set your thermostat to your desired temperature, then listen to the system and monitor how it functions. If it doesn’t restart or continues to malfunction, there’s likely a bigger problem. Call Ricky Heath to schedule service.
Where To Find the Reset Button on Your AC Unit
The reset button location depends on the type of air conditioner you have. Typically, it’s a yellow or red button, found on the outdoor unit, along the bottom edge, near the compressor. Look for a button labeled “reset.” In some cases, it could be found inside a service panel, and in others, the system won’t have a reset button at all.
If you’re not sure whether you’ve found the reset button, consult your user manual or call Ricky Heath. One of our HVAC technicians will help you try resetting your system, and if it doesn’t help, we can assess the issue from there.
When Resetting Isn’t Enough — Other Causes of AC Not Cooling
There are several reasons your home AC isn’t consistently cooling your home, even though the fan’s running. Some of the most common issues that would cause this are:
- Dirty air filter
- Blocked vents
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Refrigerant leak
- Failing blower motor
- A tripped circuit breaker
Resetting your AC won’t fix a refrigerant leak or frozen coils, nor will it address mechanical problems, leaks, or other serious issues. Most of these problems require a professional HVAC technician for service.
Air conditioners are complex, with delicate machinery, electrical components, and refrigeration coils inside. A general rule of thumb is to never open up the AC yourself, even if it’s unplugged. Resetting the AC, leaning a drain pan, or changing a filter are safe homeowner DIY jobs, but leave the rest to an expert.
When To Call a Pro for AC That’s Not Cooling
So, how do you know if your AC just needs a reset or a repair? Some signs that AC repair is necessary include:
- Strange noises like squealing, grinding, or hissing.
- Your home is more humid than usual.
- There’s ice forming inside or on the air conditioner.
- You’ve seen or suspect a refrigerant leak.
- The air conditioner or your vents are emitting unpleasant smells.
- The AC is short-cycling, or turning on and off quickly, without fully cooling the room.
- There are electrical problems, or the circuit trips when the AC turns on.
- The air conditioner still doesn’t work after trying a reset.
In some cases, upgrading to a new HVAC system is the more cost-effective choice. If your HVAC is older than 10 years and needs frequent repairs, you’d be better off putting the money toward a new system. Not only will you enjoy better efficiency and comfort with a new air conditioner, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of the most modern technological advances, like programmable thermostats and smart-home integration. Georgia state energy rebates are also available, making it well worth it to look into an upgrade.
Call Ricky Heath for AC Service
Macon-area homeowners trust Ricky Heath’s HVAC techs for many reasons. We take great care with every job and operate quickly without compromising quality. In addition to HVAC assessments, we also provide heating and air conditioner installations and replacements, expert tune-up services, water heater and plumbing services, and more.
Contact us today to book a home service with Ricky Heath Plumbing & Cooling. We’re available throughout Bibb County, Georgia, serving local communities like Macon, Bonaire, Centerville, Culloden, Roberta, and Milledgeville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I damage my system by resetting it too often?
No, resetting your air conditioner occasionally won’t cause significant wear on the system. The reset button was created to give homeowners and HVAC technicians a safe way to reboot the AC without damaging anything. Using this function is a valuable troubleshooting tool.
Will resetting the AC delete my programmed settings?
Not usually, although it depends on your HVAC system. In most cases, your programmed settings will remain saved within the system’s internal memory, so you won’t have to reprogram everything after resetting.
What should I do if the AC keeps tripping the breaker?
If your AC keeps tripping the breaker, turn the system off and call your local HVAC professional. There’s likely an electrical problem, either within the air conditioner or with your home’s electrical system, that needs expert assistance.
