How to Reset Air Conditioner Breaker in Six Steps

Are you having air conditioner problems? Call Fast Air Repair at (352) 290-7968 to reset your beaker and troubleshoot other AC issues.

Did you come home from a long day of fun in the sun only to find that your air conditioner won't turn on? This is a problem that no one wants to experience, but fortunately, the fix might be simple — you might just need to reset the breaker. 

Knowing how to reset an air conditioner breaker can save you a lot of hassle and headaches whenever you deal with cooling issues. At Fast Air Repair, we strive to always provide excellent air conditioning service in Ocala, FL, because we know how hot it gets here and believe that everyone deserves reliable indoor cooling. 

Keep reading to learn how to reset your air conditioner in six easy steps so you can get your system back up and running and restore your home's cool air. 

Step 1: Find the Service Panel or Circuit Breaker Box

Before you can reset anything, you need to find the service panel. You can typically find it on the exterior wall of your house opposite your electrical meter. Other times, it's in the garage or basement. If you live in an apartment, you probably need to ask the landlord where it is. 

If you're still struggling to find it, get access to the electrical plans for your property. These will clearly outline where your service panel is. 

Step 2: Power Down the AC Unit and Thermostat

Before you mess with anything electrical, you need to cut power to it. Shut your air conditioning unit and the AC thermostat. If you don't, you'll end up dealing with a lot of other issues, like circuit breaker damage. 

Step 3: Find the AC Breaker Switch and Reset It

Once you've powered down your air conditioner and thermostat, it's time to find your AC breaker switch and reset it. Sometimes, a service panel has each switch labeled, making it a lot easier for you to find out which switch goes to what. If you don't see any labels, refer to your electrical plan or wiring diagram.

When you locate the breaker switch, turn it off and wait a few seconds before you turn it back on. If you hear a clicking sound when switching it on or off, it's secure. 

Wait for around 30 minutes before turning your air conditioner back on. 

Step 4: Try the Isolator Switch

If you follow the first three steps and can't get your air conditioner to kick back on, try the isolator switch. This switch adds an extra layer of electrical safety during AC maintenance and repair services. If you have a newer unit, you can typically find it between the main electrical supply and AC equipment. 

Once you find the isolator switch, flip it off and wait 30 minutes. During this half-hour, your air conditioner gets rid of any electrostatic charge it accumulated.

Step 5: Use the Reset Button on the AC Unit

As you can see, you have several different options when learning how to reset your air conditioner breaker. If you try the service panel and the isolator switch without any luck, use your air conditioner's reset button. 

The reset button on AC units is usually small, red, and on the outdoor unit. You can also refer to your air conditioner's user's manual to find it. 

All you have to do here is press the button and let your air conditioner reset. This is helpful for ensuring that the AC compressor activates the unit's electrical system.

Step 6: Call Professionals When You Need More Help

If your air conditioner isn't turning on, following the steps above can help you reset your unit and get it back up and running. But this isn't a guaranteed solution, especially if there is a deeper problem with your air conditioner. If you're still struggling to get your air conditioning unit on, call the professionals. 

Air conditioning technicians can pinpoint the issue and find out exactly why your air conditioner isn't turning on. In most cases, they should be able to repair the system and get your cool air going again. If the issue is too severe or a new AC would be more cost-effective, your technicians can explain the issue and suggest a replacement.

Additional AC Troubleshooting Tips

When it comes to anything electrical, you should avoid most DIY fixes. While resetting your air conditioner breaker is a relatively easy and safe task to take on, you should never try to repair your air conditioner on your own unless you have sufficient experience and qualifications. 

When trying to reset your air conditioner breaker, keep these air conditioning tips in mind as well:

• Never mess with the electrical panel or circuit breaker box if it is wet. Ideally, you should only access the service panel when it's dry outside. 
• If you haven't already, label your circuit breakers to make it easier to identify each one whenever you need to reset your air conditioner or another appliance. 
• Use a flashlight to give you better visibility when looking for switches and panels. 

Reach Out to Fast Air Repair for Reliable Air Conditioning Services

If your air conditioner is on the fritz and you've tried ac troubleshooting, give us a call. Our Fast Air Repair experts know how to power down AC units safely, switch breakers, and repair just about any problem. We also know common reasons for air conditioners to shut down and how to address them. 

We offer 24/7 emergency service because we know your air conditioner can break down at any time, day or night, and you shouldn't have to wait until business hours to get your air conditioner working again. Our technicians are highly trained, licensed, and insured, so you can trust us to provide quality services. 

We can help you answer common questions like "How long should an air conditioner compressor last?" and how to reset an air conditioner breaker. 

To schedule a reliable AC repair or maintenance service, call Fast Air Repair at 352-290-7968.

Author Bio:

Dustin Vetter

Our team has several years of experience servicing all kinds of HVAC systems, including central air, heat pumps, radiators, and more. We offer 24/7 emergency services, so no matter when you need a helping hand, we can be there to assist. We only use the highest quality products, helping you rest assured our HVAC services will produce lasting results.