How to Reset Air Conditioner When It Stopped Working

Do you find yourself in the middle of a sweltering summer day, and your trusty air conditioner grinds to a halt? Before you dial your excellent AC maintenance service in Bozeman, MT, you can try a few easy tricks to reset your AC. 

Keep reading and learn how to reset air conditioner units. You can also call the Premier Systems crew at 406-300-4258 for help from our AC specialists. We make it a breeze to get your AC back in action quickly.

Hit the Reset Button

Almost every modern air conditioner has a reset button to restart the system if it shuts down. It's typically red, and you can find it near the motor housing. Some AC models might have it concealed beneath the plastic cover, so don't panic if you can't spot it right away.

Check your unit's manual for details on the button's location. Once you find it, give it a firm press. This fix often works for air conditioners that have shut down due to power outages or sudden disconnections.

Reset the Isolator Switch

An isolator switch, sometimes called the disconnector, is a safety device that controls the flow of energy between an air conditioner and the main electrical supply. When technicians conduct AC maintenance or repairs on your unit, they use the isolator switch to shut off the power supply, preventing any unintentional shocks or accidents while tinkering with the system.

To reset your air conditioner using the isolator switch, turn the lever, wait for half an hour, and then switch it back on. This period allows the device to discharge accumulated electrostatic charge and return to its default settings, potentially fixing your air conditioner.

Reset the Circuit Breaker

The circuit breaker keeps your electrical system safe from damage due to power surges. When it senses a short circuit or overload, it promptly "trips" or cuts off the power to prevent damage. So if your AC stops working, it's time to find the circuit breaker — you may need to simply reset the AC circuit switch.

Head over to your property's breaker box; it's usually a gray metal box situated in a utility area like the basement or garage. Open it up, and look for the switch dedicated to the air conditioner. If it's flipped to the "off" position or somewhere in the middle, you've found the culprit.

Flip it back to the "one" position and try your AC again.

Check Your Thermostat

When learning how to reset air conditioner systems, don't forget about the humble thermostat! As an integral part of your HVAC system, the thermostat controls the temperature according to your comfort level. However, a glitch in this device could throw your entire air conditioning system out of order.

Set your thermostat at your desired temperature, and make sure it's in cooling mode. If all settings look good, but the AC refuses to kick in, you might need to reset the thermostat.

Most modern designs have a reset button; press that and see if the system starts cooling your home again. For older models, you may need to remove the batteries and reinsert them after a minute — this will typically reset the device.

Do You Need Expert AC Assistance?

Even with all the clever troubleshooting, your air conditioner may remain stubbornly silent, refusing to deliver cool air. That's when you know it's time to call a technician. Here are a few other signs that it's time to call in the professionals:

• Persistent noises: If your AC unit creates more noise than normal, it's a clear symptom of underlying complications. Rattling, buzzing, or humming noises all indicate issues that require expert attention.
• Poor airflow: Even when your unit seems active, if the air from your vents wouldn't blow out a candle, you've got a problem. It could stem from ductwork or fan issues.
• Unpleasant smells: Foul or pungent odors could point towards mold, while a burnt smell might indicate a problem with the wiring.
• Water leaks: Constant moisture can damage your property and even lead to serious structural issues. Reach out to an HVAC professional as soon as possible.

Call Bozeman's AC Experts: Premier Systems

We hope our guide has helped you learn how to reset air conditioner units without breaking a sweat. Our team at Premier Systems is always at your service, ready to troubleshoot and fix any HVAC concern — from a light flickering in an AC unit to a complete system failure.



Give us a call at 406-300-4258 today to schedule service.