Do you have a rooftop HVAC unit? Rooftop units are a common sight, especially on commercial and industrial properties. They’re a great way to save space while still enjoying proper climate control. Though it does pose a small issue if you ever need to reset the unit. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to reset an HVAC unit on your roof.
Why a Rooftop HVAC Unit Might Need a Reset
Like any machine, HVAC units run into issues from time to time. Sometimes, these rooftop HVAC problems require professional repair, but in many cases, a simple reset can be enough to get the unit running again.
The most common problem that you may be able to fix when you reset your air conditioning is if your AC unit’s protective circuit breaker gets tripped, such as after a power outage. While this failsafe ensures your unit doesn’t catch fire or explode, it does mean you’ll need to manually reset the unit to get it up and running once more. This troubleshooting step might also help fix a rooftop HVAC that isn’t heating your space.
How to Safely Reset a Rooftop HVAC Unit (Step-by-Step)
Now that we understand why an HVAC reset is sometimes necessary, let’s go over the steps to do it safely. Here’s what you need to know about this commercial HVAC troubleshooting process.
Power down the unit
First, you need to make sure the power to your air conditioner is shut off. This protects the unit from damage and ensures you don’t get a nasty shock if you end up touching the wrong component. Find your electrical panel and flip the breaker that connects to your air conditioner’s circuit.
Access the air conditioner
With the power safely disconnected, you’ll need to head up to the roof to access the air conditioner. Most commercial and industrial properties have a staircase or ladder to do this. If there isn’t a good way to get to the roof, it’s best to have a professional handle this part rather than risking it with freestanding ladders or other methods.
Find the reset button
Next, you need to find the HVAC reset button on the outdoor unit. This button is usually located on the lower edge, closer to the ground. In some units, the button is hidden behind the service panel, which you’ll need to unscrew. The reset button will usually be red, yellow, or clear with the word ‘reset’ on it.
Reset the system
Press the reset button to restart the system. You usually need to hold the HVAC or heat pump reset button down for about 3 to 5 seconds before releasing it. Replace the service panel if you took it off, and head back down from the roof.
Restore power
With the HVAC unit reset, head back to your circuit breaker and flip the power to your unit back on. Make sure the unit is set to ‘on’ and your thermostat is set to either ‘heat’ or ‘cool’.
Check for results
Finally, monitor the HVAC system for a little bit to see if the reset worked. Place your hand near vents to see if air is coming out (and if it’s the right temperature), listen for any strange noises, and make sure the cycles are running at normal lengths.
When to Use the HVAC Reset Button
Commercial HVAC systems are generally quite reliable, but they’re bound to run into a problem or two over the course of their lifespan. Resetting the unit can help with smaller, non-recurring issues, such as a tripped protective circuit breaker, a malfunction with your thermostat, or minor electronic glitches.
For anything more severe, such as short-cycling, strange noises, weak airflow, or a unit that’s blowing the incorrect air temperature, a reset probably won’t help matters. If you’re facing issues like these, skip the reset process and call Sam’s Air for a commercial HVAC tune-up.
Troubleshooting Common Rooftop HVAC Reset Problems
If you’re having a simple issue that isn’t helped by resetting the system, there are a few other troubleshooting steps to try. Rather than resetting the system with the button, you can try manually cycling the power by turning the thermostat off, cutting the power to the HVAC unit at your breaker panel, and letting the system stay powered down for about 5 minutes before restoring power and testing.
Another commercial HVAC consideration that sometimes gets overlooked with these hefty machines is the simple maintenance task of changing the air filter. These filters play a vital role in protecting the system from damage, and need to be replaced or cleaned every 1 to 3 months on average. See if replacing your air filter helps you solve your HVAC issues.
When to Call for Professional Commercial HVAC Service
If changing the filter, cycling the power, and hitting the reset button don’t work, it’s time to get some help from a local commercial HVAC technician. These experts bring the tools, experience, and system knowledge needed to address even the most confounding HVAC issues, and can do a lot more for your system than simply resetting it.
When you work with a company like Sam’s Air Control, you get comprehensive diagnostics, repairs, maintenance instructions, or info on installing a new commercial HVAC system, if needed. Our technicians will thoroughly examine the entire system to find the source of your problem, whether it’s a total shutdown, a lack of airflow, or anything else.
While resetting your own system can sometimes help clear away minor HVAC issues, it’s rare for this to fix a more serious problem. And on the off-chance that there’s an electrical issue, you definitely don’t want to risk a severe electric shock by touching a damaged system.
With this in mind, we recommend contacting an HVAC professional with the appropriate electrical safety training. It’s best to have your HVAC serviced by an expert at least once a year anyway, which gives them the chance to not only fix specific issues, but also to tune up the system, lubricate moving parts, and check for any small problems that might become bigger down the line.
Sam’s Air Control: Family-Owned Commercial HVAC Service
Whether your commercial HVAC has shut down entirely, is putting out weak or no airflow, or is making strange noises while it runs, trust the team at Sam’s Air Control to put the problem to bed. As a family-owned and operated company, we approach these commercial HVAC jobs with the care, honesty, and integrity they deserve. We’re here when you need us, ensuring your commercial or industrial property is safe, comfortable, and productive, no matter the weather outside.
Ready to get professional help with your rooftop HVAC system? Sam’s Air Control has you covered. Contact us to schedule your service appointment today.
