How to Reset Your Air Con

15th September, 2025

Coming back home after a tough day, turning your air conditioning system on, and suddenly it starts blowing warm air. That’s a peak frustration moment, especially during those scorching summers. While it seems to be an electrician’s expertise, sometimes, the solution is as simple as hitting the reset button. Sit back and scroll to learn how to reset an air conditioner to save time and money, no matter if it’s a ducted air conditioning unit or a window unit.

When Should You Reset Your Air Conditioning?

To reset an air conditioner seems like an ideal solution for any kind of technical glitch. But not every AC problem will be solved with the same method. Here are some specific situations where resetting your AC is ideal.

• Power outage: Sudden power outages trip the protection circuit breaker in your air conditioner. Once the power is restored, you may need to reset your air conditioner system to let it work smoothly.
• Warm air blowing instead of cool air: Your AC unit isn’t a hair dryer blowing hot air. But if it is acting like one, blowing warm air (or no air), a reset might clear the issue.
• After replacing filters or parts: Changing the air filter or cleaning the outdoor air conditioner unit can confuse your AC. Resetting it makes it easy to recalibrate the airflow and temperature settings.
• Electrical glitches: A surge or power outage can disturb the air conditioning unit’s control board, causing it to malfunction until reset. After all, it’s a fragile system.
• Control board or thermostat error: The thermostat or control panel isn’t responding as it should? A reset may re-establish the connection between indoor and outdoor AC units.

If your air conditioning unit isn’t cooling well, a reset (if it fixes the issue) is worth trying. You’ll save time and some dollars as well.

How to Reset Air Con with the Isolator Switch

In most air conditioning units, there’s a dedicated isolator switch. Usually, it is around the outdoor unit or right next to the main electrical panel. In resetting your air conditioner unit with this switch, these steps will do the job.

1. Turn off the system: Use the remote or wall-mounted control panel to shut down the air conditioning system.
2. Find the isolator switch: Usually close to the outdoor AC unit, the isolator switch may look like a standard light switch or a weatherproof box.
3. Switch off the power: Flip the isolator switch to the “off” position to disconnect power from both the indoor and outdoor units.
4. Wait a few minutes: Allow 3 to 5 minutes for all electrical components to fully discharge. This quick waiting time is important to clear any minor faults in your air conditioning system.
5. Flip the switch back on: Restore power to the AC unit by switching the isolator back to “on.”
6. Restart your air conditioner: Turn the system back on using the remote control or control panel and set your desired temperature.

The Benefits of Resetting Your AC Unit

Resetting the AC isn’t just a spot-on solution to many AC issues; it comes with several perks as well that keep your AC system running efficiently.

1. Improves System Performance

If your air conditioning system isn’t doing its core job, delivering cool air, resetting can clear up trivial faults or miscommunications between the indoor and outdoor AC units. A reset here restores that optimal flow of cold air throughout your space.

2. Clears Minor Electrical Glitches

All these air conditioning systems are a sensitive electronic mesh. You don’t know which component can mess up with what. But a reset can clear temporary faults caused by power fluctuations or interruptions. Plus, it gets your AC system back on track without paying those wallet-hurting technicians.

3. Helps Restore Proper Thermostat Function

Sometimes the real culprit isn’t your AC unit but the thermostat. A reset resyncs this temperature-sensing unit with the control board so it reads the temperature right and sends the right signals to the AC system.

4. Can Save on Repair Costs

Before you call an air conditioner technician for repair, try resetting your AC unit yourself. It may solve the problem in minutes and save you from an expensive service booking.

5. Boosts Energy Efficiency

An AC unit that’s stuck in an error state won’t do its job well. Resetting helps the AC system function optimally again, reducing energy waste and controlling your electricity bills.

6. Helps Identify Underlying Issues

If that hair dryer mode is still going on even after resetting your air conditioner unit, then the problem needs the reset switch to be pressed. Resetting here can also clarify if you’re dealing with a filter problem, refrigerant leak, or something electrical.

7. Extends the Lifespan of Your AC Unit

A minor electrical issue can take a huge toll on the delicate parts within your unit. Regularly resetting your system during an issue can prevent bigger damage and unnecessary strain on the electrical system. Basically, it takes care of your unit, extending its life.

When to Call a Professional for an Air Conditioner Reset

Resetting your AC unit is as easy as ABC. But it’s not a cure-all solution fixing every single issue in your AC. It’s better to call an expert technician if you’re dealing with issues like:

• The reset button keeps tripping.
• Warm air blowing from your air conditioning after multiple resets.
• Strange noises are coming from the indoor or outdoor unit.
• You suspect damage to the electrical system or control board.
• Your circuit breaker keeps flipping even after you restore power.

Not sure where the reset button is located or don’t know if your model has one? Guessing doesn’t work well here. Not handling your electrical components well can result in electric shock or major damage to the AC unit.