After a power outage, some air conditioners don't function and need to be reset. But the problem is, you don't know how to do it with your Ruud air conditioner. Don't worry, because we researched information on how to reset a Ruud air conditioner, and here is what we have gathered.
If your Ruud air conditioner needs resetting, you can follow these steps:
- Turn your air conditioner's power off.
- Find the reset button on your Ruud air conditioner.
- Press the reset button for 3 to 5 seconds, then release it.
- Turn your air conditioner back on.
But where is the reset button located? Why does your air conditioner need to reset? What are other problems a Ruud air conditioner might have? What causes them and how do you fix them? Continue reading to learn more.
Where Is The Reset Button Of A Ruud Air Conditioner Located?
The reset button of Ruud air conditioners is located outside the outdoor unit, towards the bottom. It's available to anyone who wants to push it, but be aware that there's a reason your AC isn't working.
Why Does Your Ruud Air Conditioner Need To Be Reset?
There are several reasons for this, but the most important is a tripped breaker. Like most other electrical appliances, an air conditioner has a circuit breaker. The fast increase in electrical voltage following a power outage can trigger an overload in your unit's circuit which then trips a circuit breaker.
However, your air conditioner may not perform as well as it did before a breaker tripped. A fast reset may be all you need if it's set to a cool temperature but you're only getting warm air.
Ruud AC Common Problems And Troubleshooting Guide
Some of the common problems you might encounter when you have a Ruud air conditioner are:
- AC not cooling
- AC not turning on
- Unit won't turn off
- Fan not working
- AC freezes up
- Drainage leaking
- Compressor failure
What To Do When A Ruud AC Is Not Cooling?
Before you troubleshoot this problem, you must first identify what causes your air conditioner to not cool.
Here are some possible reasons why your AC is not cooling:
- Dirty air filters
- Thermostat malfunction
- Refrigerant leak
- Dirty condenser unit coils
Here is what you can do to fix these problems:
- If you have dirty air filters, you can clean them by washing them with water. Ruud air filters are typically found on the unit's side or bottom, near the filter cabinet.
- Make sure that your thermostat is set to cool. However, if the problem is still not solved, call an HVAC technician to diagnose and troubleshoot your AC problem.
- In case of a refrigerant leak, immediately call your trusted HVAC professional for the repair.
- To eliminate dirt from the condenser unit, from the inside to the outside, splash water on the fins using a hose. Avoid damaging the condenser fins by making sure the hose is set to a mild setting. Also, don't get any of the electrical components wet.
Why Won't Ruud Air Conditioner Turn On?
If your air conditioner won't turn on, it's likely due to an electricity supply problem, which could be caused by either:
- a damaged run capacitor
- a faulty control circuit board
Both of these parts will need to be replaced by an expert HVAC technician.
Ruud Air Conditioner Won't Turn Off - What To Do?
The most typical cause of a Ruud air conditioner that won't shut off is a clogged/dirty evaporator coil, which can be readily remedied by cleaning the coil.
However, other possible causes are:
- short-circuited temperature control thermostat
- malfunctioning control board
How To Check If Temperature Control Thermostat Is Shorted
When the ambient temperature is higher than the specified temperature, the thermostat activates the voltage to run the fan and compressor, which controls the cooling cycles of your air conditioner.
To see if your air conditioner's temperature control thermostat has shorted, use a multimeter to check for continuity.
Click here for this multimeter on Amazon.
Malfunctioning Control Board
This component of your air conditioner is in charge of distributing power to all of your AC components. If it fails, the compressor and fan may receive continuous power, causing them to run continually.
When you encounter these problems, you must contact a professional HVAC technician.
What To Do When The AC Fan Is Not Working
An air conditioner fan motor might not work for several reasons. Here are some you should look out for:
- Fan motor failure
- Thermostat malfunction
- Defective control board
- Defective rotary switch
Fan Motor Failure
You will know your fan motor is damaged when you notice these signs:
- On the status LED, there is a yellow "ALERT" Flash Code 2 error
- Fan motor doesn't turn easily when you turn it by hand
- If there is a current flow to your fan but it doesn't run
If the diagnosis points to a malfunctioning or worn-out fan motor, the best course of action is to have it replaced by a competent HVAC professional.
Thermostat Malfunction
When the air temperature in your home escalates above the preset temperature, the thermostat delivers a signal to the compressor and fan to work.
If this signal is not delivered because your AC thermostat is malfunctioning, the fan and compressor will not turn on. Have an HVAC technician check and repair your malfunctioning thermostat.
Defective Control Board
Damaged control boards are often misdiagnosed by homeowners, which is why it's best to call for an expert HVAC technician if you suspect you have one.
Defective Rotary Switch
To check for continuity in the rotary switch, you'll need to use a multimeter. To do so, you can look into your Ruud AC user manual's wiring diagram. Having a qualified HVAC technician conduct the job is the safest option.
What Causes An AC To Freeze Up?
A clear sign that your AC is freezing up is the presence of ice in your evaporator unit. However, bear in mind that the absence of ice does not necessarily indicate the absence of a freezing problem.
The freezing of your AC can be caused by either of these three things:
- Blocked airflow
- Mechanical problems
- Lower outside temperature
Blocked Airflow
To prevent humidity from collecting on the evaporator coils and freezing, air conditioners require a constant flow of air.
To maintain the airflow in your home flowing sufficiently to avoid interrupting the operation of your air conditioner, make sure your air filters aren't dirty or clogged. The air movement in your home will be restricted as a result of this.
Mechanical Problems
Moving parts in air conditioners can become trapped, broken, or clogged. It's possible for refrigerant lines to kink, fans to cease spinning, filters to clog, and things to leak. Any of these factors result in a loss in pressure, allowing the refrigerant to expand excessively and become too cold.
To maintain a consistent temperature throughout your equipment, refrigerant is also required. Freezing can also happen when the refrigerant level is too low.
Lower Outside Temperature
Air conditioners are designed to operate at certain temperatures, typically over 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If your Ruud air conditioner is operating at this setting, the pressure inside the unit may drop, causing the evaporator coil to freeze.
Draining Ruud Air Conditioners
To drain an air conditioner, you must use a wet/dry vacuum. This helps in sucking the blockage and other debris in your drain line.
You can read this article to learn more about how to drain your air conditioner: How To Drain An Air Conditioner (And How Often?)
What To Do When Your AC Compressor Motor Fails?
If your Ruud air conditioner compressor isn't working, it could be due to:
- a damaged compressor
- a defective temperature control board
- a broken thermostat
A damaged compressor commonly causes this problem, and it will need to be replaced by a qualified HVAC technician.
Final Thoughts
Although it is not always the case that your air conditioner needs a reset after a power outage, it is still best to know how to when the time comes. But if you are hesitant to troubleshoot the problem on your own, you should ask for help from your trusted HVAC technician.
If you are confused between Rheem and Ruud air conditioners, you can check this article: Rheem Vs. Ruud: Are They The Same?
You can also check this related article before you go: How To Reset Rheem AC Unit