How Do You Reset An American Standard AC?

When you encounter technical issues with your air conditioner, one of the frequent troubleshooting methods includes resetting it with a press of a button or manually. If you own an American Standard AC, you might be wondering how you can reset it. We've looked this up and have the answers in this post.

To reset an American Standard AC unit, you must locate the reset button on the outdoor or indoor unit. Once you find it, here's what you should do:

  • Turn off your air conditioning unit.
  • Hold down the button for a few seconds, then release it.
  • Power your AC back on.

If your unit doesn't have a reset button, you can reset it by following these basic steps:

  • Turn off the air conditioner using the thermostat or manually.
  • Shut off the unit or HVAC system in the circuit breaker.
  • Wait for a minute or so before turning on the circuit breaker.
  • Wait for about 30 minutes before opening the thermostat and unit.
  • After 30 minutes, set your thermostat or AC to "cool" and set it to five degrees below the room temperature to test it.

If resetting your air conditioner doesn't solve the problem, it may have another underlying issue that requires a different repair method. With that, keep reading to learn why your AC fails, how to troubleshoot it, and what you can do to maintain it.

Horizontal shot of four apartment air conditioners outside., How Do You Reset An American Standard AC?

Where Is The Reset Button On American Standard AC?

Air compressors unit is outside the office building

The reset button on most air conditioning units can be found on the outdoor unit or condenser, usually at the edge close to the ground. For most models, it appears as a small red button.

If you can't locate it on the outdoor unit, it could be on the indoor unit, behind the service panel. Before you check inside the unit, ensure you turn off your AC and shut off its power from the circuit breaker.

You can also check your unit's manual to see if it has instructions specifying the exact location of the reset button and how to operate it.

Do All Air Conditioners Have A Reset Button?

Most air conditioners, especially recent models, come with a reset button around the unit. It is often small, so it could be harder to locate when you aren't familiar with it.

If you're having trouble finding it, look through the owner's manual for your unit or contact the manufacturer to ask for the button's location. Remember, not all models will have a reset button.

If all attempts to locate it fail, you might have to reset your AC manually whenever necessary.

Step-By-Step Process Of Resetting An Air Conditioner

The easiest way to reset an air conditioner is through the reset button.

You can do this by turning off the AC and its power on the circuit breaker, then holding the reset button for 3 to 5 seconds before releasing it. After, restore the power to your AC and turn on the unit.

But if your AC doesn't have one, here are a few more ways to reset your unit.

From The Isolator Switch

Most of the time, your air conditioner comes with an isolator switch that separates it from the rest of your electrical systems for safety and protection during maintenance and repair. You can switch it on and off to reset your AC.

Note that an isolator is not the same as a circuit breaker. You can locate it next to or near the AC's outdoor unit instead of in the switch box. In most models, it looks like a lever on a V-shaped socket, but it could appear as the usual switches on older units.

To reset your unit using this way, turn it off and keep it closed for 30 minutes to give your AC enough time to dispel electricity. Turn the lever back on when the time is up, and check your AC to see if it properly restarted.

From The Circuit Breaker

Human hand is flipping the power switch in the electrical control cabinet

If your AC doesn't have an isolator switch or reset button installed, try resetting it through the circuit breaker. It contains one large switch and several other switches connected to different circuits around your home.

When you find the circuit breaker, locate the switch labeled "air conditioner or AC." Switch it off and leave it for a few minutes before switching it back on.

Although you can reset your AC through the breaker box, it's best to avoid doing it repeatedly, especially when the unit is not restarting after switching it off. It could imply a problem with your air conditioner, circuit breaker, or electrical connections.

From The Thermostat

A common feature with an HVAC thermostat is a reset button, allowing you to reset your AC without touching the unit.

To do this, press the reset button and wait for the thermostat to turn off the AC. On other thermostat models, it may reset back to factory settings.It may take a few minutes or less for your system to reset. You can adjust and set the controls or temperature when it's done.

How To Troubleshoot An American Standard AC Unit?

Technician repairing air conditioner on the wall .

Before requesting professional assistance, you should troubleshoot your air conditioning unit with these tips. These can help you save on costs, especially for minor problems.

Not Turning On

If your unit is not turning on, check to see if it is getting enough power. Inspect your fuses or circuit breaker to see if its connections have a problem.

You might have to reset the circuit breaker, replace a blown fuse, or call in a repair for broken or loose wiring. The problem could be the thermostat if you have one.

Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat controls several functions on your AC, such as the power and temperature. If the thermostat has power issues, your air conditioner may not function properly.

Read this post to learn what to do when your AC thermostat isn't turning on: AC Thermostat Not Turning On — What To Do?

Check the settings on your unit to see if it's set to "cooling" or "heating" instead of "fan" or "off." You should also make sure it's set to the right temperature.

Insufficient Heat

When your AC does not provide enough heat, turn on the electricity or gas in your home if it's closed. If this isn't the issue, check the temperature set on your thermostat or if the setting is on "heat."

If it frequently snows in your area, try to remove any snow drifts resting on your AC's outdoor unit or condenser.

Lack Of Cooling

Insufficient cooling from your air conditioner may be due to cool air escaping through doors and windows left open for too long. If possible, keep them closed when your AC is on.

As with heating issues, you can also check your thermostat to see if the temperature or setting is set correctly.

No Airflow

If there's a lack of airflow from your AC, check the filters in different components of your unit. Dirt and debris could block air from passing through, meaning you will need to clean or replace it.

The same applies to the outdoor unit, where leaves or property walls could block off the system. It's best to keep about an inch of clearance around your AC's outdoor unit to prevent these.

If there's nothing wrong with your units, inspect if any air is coming through the vent. If not, there may be a problem with your indoor blower, and you might have to contact a professional for repair.

Uncomfortable Air

There may be an issue with the air quality. The air might feel stale, too dry, or too moist. If the air is stale, inspect your unit's filter and clean or replace it if necessary.

Check if your humidifier is on or correctly functioning when it's too dry or too moist. You should also check the humidifier's damper or water valve, which should be open, and its settings.

Loud Air Vents

Sometimes, high-pitched noises could mean insufficient return air, so ensure your return and supply vents are open with nothing blocking them.

If you hear other sounds, like thumping, rattling, or humming, it could have something to do with wrong ductwork size, clogged or broken filters, or damage to other components.

If you hear chirping sounds on your AC, read this post to know what causes it: Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Chirping Noises?

Quick Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

Your air conditioner will weaken as time passes, so keeping it in top condition is essential. Here are a few quick ways to maintain your AC without contacting an HVAC professional.

Frequently Clean Or Change Filters

Man hand hold air conditioner filter cleaning concept.

Dirt and debris get caught in your air filters as your unit operates. The longer you leave them without changing them, the more they accumulate and clog up, causing your AC to exert more power to release air.

Clean or change these filters frequently, like once a month, to prevent them from collecting too much debris.

Check On The Drain Line

Your AC runs excess moisture through the drain line, which can grow algae or mold and cause clogging. Flushing the drain line now and then with bleach or vinegar can clear it from these substances.

If the debris is stuck, clean it, then use a wet/dry vacuum to suck them out.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Some issues with your AC may require you to have an HVAC professional evaluate the unit. It's best to schedule regular maintenance in advance or have it checked once or twice a year.

In Summary

Resetting your AC is one way to troubleshoot it when a problem comes up.

You can reset your American Standard AC by locating the reset button along the edge of the outdoor unit or behind the service panel on the indoor unit. You can reset it through the isolator switch, circuit breaker, or thermostat if it doesn't have one.

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