How To Restart Your Wichita Air Conditioner After a Power Outage

Wichita power outages are a fact of life, especially during those scorching summer months. If a recent storm has knocked out your power and your AC won’t restart, you’re probably feeling the heat – literally. It’s a common problem, but before you assume the worst, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to potentially restart your AC.  Let’s walk through some simple checks you can do yourself before calling in the professionals at Titan Mechanical.

Why Your AC Might Not Restart After a Power Outage

Power surges, a common occurrence during thunderstorms, can jolt your Wichita air conditioner’s delicate electrical components.  This can lead to a range of issues, from a simple tripped circuit breaker (designed to protect your system) to more subtle glitches that disrupt its normal operation. Understanding these potential problems is the first step towards restoring your cool comfort.

Here are the most common culprits behind an AC that refuses to restart after a power outage:

• Tripped Circuit Breaker: This is the most frequent cause. A simple reset often fixes it.
• Delayed Start: Some AC units have a built-in delay to protect the compressor.
• Thermostat Issues: A power blip might have reset your thermostat settings.
• Frozen Coils: If your AC was running hard before the outage, coils might have iced over.

Don’t Ignore These AC Warning Signs!

Important Safety Note: If you notice any of the following, stop immediately and call Titan Mechanical’s 24/7 emergency hotline at 316-641-1975

• Burning Smell: This indicates electrical problems and requires immediate professional attention.
• Unusual Noises: Grinding, squealing, or rattling sounds from your AC unit are signs of internal damage and should be checked by a technician.
• Leaking Water: Water pooling around your AC unit could be a sign of a frozen coil or another drainage issue, which can cause further damage if left unchecked.

Troubleshooting Steps for a Safe AC Restart

If you haven’t noticed any of the red flags mentioned above, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and try a few DIY troubleshooting steps. These might seem basic, but you’d be surprised how often they solve the problem and save you an air conditioning service call:

1. Check the Thermostat
   Your thermostat is the brains of your AC operation. Make sure it’s switched to “Cool” mode and the temperature is set a few degrees lower than the current room temperature. If your thermostat uses batteries, now’s a good time to replace them, even if they aren’t showing signs of being low.
2. Check the Circuit Breaker
   Head to your electrical panel (usually located in your garage, basement, or utility room). Find the breaker labeled for your HVAC system or AC unit. If it’s tripped (in the middle position or clearly “off”), switch it fully off, then firmly back on.
3. Wait for the Delay
   Many modern air conditioners have a built-in delay of 3-5 minutes before restarting. This gives the internal components time to stabilize and prevents damage to the compressor. Be patient and give your AC a few minutes to do its thing before moving on to other troubleshooting steps.

If the wait drags on and your AC still hasn’t sprung back to life after about 5 minutes, don’t give up hope just yet. There’s one more trick up our sleeve, an air conditioner reset. This will give your AC a clean slate and a chance to reboot its internal components.

How Do I Reset My Air Conditioner After a Power Outage?

Here’s the proper procedure for resetting your AC after a power outage:

1. Turn off your AC system at the thermostat. This ensures it won’t try to turn on while you’re working on it.
2. Locate your electrical panel and switch off the AC system’s breaker. This completely cuts off power to the unit.
3. Inspect the outdoor unit. Look for any visible damage, debris, or ice buildup on the condenser coils. If you see ice, let it melt naturally before trying to restart. Clear away any debris obstructing airflow around the unit.
4. Wait for 30 minutes. This gives the internal components time to reset and any residual electrical charge to dissipate.
5. Switch the breaker back on.
6. Turn on your AC system at the thermostat. Set it to “Cool” and a few degrees below the current room temperature.  Remember it may take up to five minutes for the system to start and this is normal. 

If you’ve followed these steps and your AC is humming along happily again, you’re all set! But if your AC remains unresponsive, don’t let the frustration mount. The skilled technicians at Titan Mechanical are ready to step in and diagnose the issue. Give us a call 316-641-1975, and we’ll have your home air conditioner repaired and your home cool and comfortable as quickly as possible.

Reset Complete? Back to Enjoying Your Wichita Summer!

If your AC is purring along after the reset, you’ve successfully tackled the power outage aftermath! Consider those troubleshooting tips your go-to guide for future hiccups. And remember, regular AC maintenance is your best bet for keeping your system in top shape through those sweltering Wichita summers.

Still No Cool Air? We’re Here to Help!

If your AC remains stubbornly silent after trying these steps, don’t let the frustration get to you. Sometimes, a power outage can uncover deeper issues that need a professional eye. The experienced technicians at Titan Mechanical are just a phone call away.

Why Choose Titan Mechanical?

• Wichita’s AC Experts: We know the ins and outs of air conditioners in our local climate.
• Certified & Experienced: Our technicians are trained to tackle any AC problem you throw at them.
• Your Comfort is Our Goal: We’re committed to providing reliable service and ensuring your complete satisfaction.
• 24/7 Emergency Hotline for Your Convenience: We know AC problems don’t always happen at convenient times. That’s why we offer a 24/7 emergency hotline to get you back to cool comfort as quickly as possible.

Hopefully, this guide has empowered you to tackle that powerless AC and get your cool air flowing again. But if your system failed to restart after these steps, don’t let the frustration mount. The skilled technicians at Titan Mechanical are ready to step in and diagnose the issue. Give us a call at 316-641-1975, and we’ll have your home back to a comfortable temperature in no time.