December 8, 2025
Burlington, IN Heat Pump Reset Tips for Better Cooling
Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes
If your home is warm and the air feels stale, you may be wondering how to reset a heat pump to restore cooling. A safe reset can clear minor control glitches and get your system back on track. Below is a fast, homeowner-friendly process you can try before calling for service, plus pro tips to prevent repeat problems. If you need help, our Kokomo team is on call 24/7.
Before You Start: Safety First
A reset is simple, but safety comes first. You will be opening panels and toggling power. Follow these basics:
- Turn off power at the thermostat before touching equipment.
- Use the outdoor service switch and the indoor breaker to cut power.
- Never press the contactor with your fingers. Live voltage can cause injury.
- If you smell burning, see arcing, or hear loud buzzing, stop and call a professional.
Local tip: In Kokomo and across Howard County, cottonwood fluff peaks in late spring and often mats onto outdoor coils. If airflow is blocked, a reset will not fix the issue until the debris is cleared.
Quick Reset vs. Full Power Cycle
Not all resets are equal. Choose the right level for your symptom.
- Quick thermostat reset
- Use when your heat pump is cooling but acts erratically, short-cycles, or blew warm air once.
- Full power cycle
- Use when the outdoor unit is not starting, the thermostat is unresponsive, or you changed battery/firmware settings.
- Control-board reset (if equipped)
- Some units have a small reset button on the air handler or outdoor control board. Only press it after you have fully powered down the system.
Pro insight: Most modern heat pumps include a built-in five-minute compressor delay to protect the motor. If you restore power and nothing happens immediately, wait out the delay before taking another step.
Step-by-Step: How to Reset a Heat Pump AC Unit
Follow this sequence to give your system the best chance to restart cleanly.
1) Set the thermostat
- Switch the thermostat to OFF.
- Set the system to COOL and fan to AUTO for later. Do not select emergency heat.
- If your thermostat has batteries, replace them now.
2) Power down the outdoor unit
- Locate the disconnect box near the heat pump. Pull the handle or switch it OFF.
- If there is no disconnect, go to your electrical panel and switch the outdoor condenser breaker OFF. It is often labeled “Heat Pump” or “A/C.”
3) Power down the indoor air handler
- At the main electrical panel, turn the air handler or furnace breaker OFF.
- Open the blower door only if you are comfortable. Many units include a door switch that cuts power when opened. Do not bypass it.
4) Wait to clear the control memory
- Wait 5 to 10 minutes with all power OFF.
- This pause lets capacitors discharge and allows electronics to reset. Rushing the process can lock the compressor out again.
5) Check airflow basics
While you wait, check the easy airflow fixes that sabotage cooling:
- Replace or clean the return filter. If it is gray or clogged, it is restricting airflow.
- Clear leaves, cottonwood, and grass clippings from the outdoor coil. Leave 2 feet of clearance.
- Open at least 80% of the supply registers. Closing too many can cause freeze-ups.
6) Restore power in the right order
- Turn ON the indoor air handler breaker.
- Turn ON the outdoor unit breaker or push the disconnect back in.
- Return to the thermostat. Set it to COOL and lower the setpoint 3 to 5 degrees below room temperature.
- Wait up to five minutes for the compressor delay to expire. You should hear the outdoor fan and compressor start. Inside, the blower should run steadily.
7) Confirm performance
- After 10 to 15 minutes of runtime, measure the supply vs. return air. A temperature drop of roughly 15 to 20 degrees is typical in normal humidity.
- If the outdoor unit still will not start, or the breaker trips, do not keep resetting. Call a professional to prevent equipment damage.
When a Reset Helps vs. When It Will Not
A reset can clear temporary faults. It will not mask a real mechanical problem.
Resets often help:
- Brief power outage or flicker
- Thermostat miscommunication after battery replacement
- Tripped low-pressure or high-pressure switch caused by a one-time airflow hiccup
- Defrost cycle confusion in mild, humid weather
Resets will not help:
- Failed capacitor or contactor
- Low refrigerant charge from a leak
- Severely clogged outdoor coil or indoor coil
- Frozen indoor coil due to very dirty filter or low airflow
- Breakers that trip again immediately
If you encounter any of the “will not help” items, schedule service. Our licensed technicians handle diagnostics, repairs, and replacements for all major brands.
Common Reasons Heat Pumps Lose Their Cool
Understanding the usual suspects helps you prevent the next problem.
- Restricted airflow
- Dirty filters, closed registers, or matted outdoor coils make the system overheat and shut down. In Kokomo, cottonwood and grass clippings are common culprits after yard work.
- Thermostat or control issues
- Weak batteries or outdated thermostat firmware can cause short cycling. A reset and new batteries often fix it.
- Electrical component failure
- Start/run capacitors and contactors wear with age. A reset will not revive a failed part.
- Refrigerant problems
- Low charge from a leak reduces cooling and may trigger safety switches. Only a certified pro should handle refrigerant.
- Drain clogs and float switches
- A full condensate pan can trip a safety switch and stop cooling to prevent water damage.
Quick checklist for homeowners:
- Filter changed in the last 60 days
- Thermostat batteries fresh
- Outdoor coil free of debris
- Condensate drain clear
- Breakers firmly set to ON
Preventive Tips After the Reset
Keep your system on track with simple habits.
- Set it and forget it
- Avoid big swings in temperature. Small, steady adjustments are easier on the compressor.
- Keep a clean filter
- Mark your calendar every 30 to 60 days in summer. High pollen and mowing seasons clog filters faster.
- Rinse the outdoor coil
- With power OFF, gently hose from the inside out if accessible, or from top to bottom. Do not bend fins with high pressure.
- Clear a 2-foot radius
- Trim shrubs and move storage away from the unit.
- Schedule maintenance
- A precision tune-up catches weak capacitors, loose wires, and dirty coils before they cause a no-cool call. Our tune-ups include a system safety check and are backed by our No Breakdown Guarantee.
When to Call a Pro in Kokomo
Stop and call if you notice any of the following:
- Breaker trips again right after the reset
- Burning smell, smoke, or melted insulation
- Ice on refrigerant lines or the indoor coil
- Hissing or bubbling near the outdoor unit
- Water around the air handler or ceiling leaks
Why choose Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling:
- Local since 1969 with thousands of satisfied homeowners in the Kokomo area
- 24/7 emergency service and same-day availability
- Licensed, trained, and background-checked technicians
- Match-or-beat price guarantee on comparable services and installs
- Maintenance plans that extend equipment life and improve efficiency
Service Options That Support Reliable Cooling
If you needed a reset today, consider these next steps to reduce future downtime:
- Diagnostic and safety check
- We test capacitors, contactor, sensors, and airflow to find root causes.
- Precision heat pump tune-up
- Includes coil cleaning, electrical tightening, refrigerant performance check, and a system safety check. Backed by our No Breakdown Guarantee.
- Maintenance plan
- Scheduled inspections, tune-ups, and cleanings keep your system efficient and help prevent surprise repairs.
- Repair or replacement
- If your unit is aging or inefficient, we recommend energy-efficient options that can cut cooling costs and improve comfort. Financing is available.
Quick Troubleshooting After a Successful Reset
If cooling returns but seems weak, try these homeowner steps:
- Increase airflow
- Open closed registers and make sure furniture is not blocking vents.
- Adjust setpoint wisely
- Aim for a steady indoor temperature. In peak humidity, big swings create long run times.
- Use ceiling fans
- Fans improve comfort and allow a slightly higher thermostat setting.
- Inspect the condensate drain
- A clear drain prevents safety-switch shutoffs.
- Watch for frost
- If you see ice, switch the system OFF and use FAN only for 30 minutes. If ice reappears, call for service.
Realistic Expectations After a Reset
A heat pump that lost cooling due to a brief power event will often recover and run normally. If symptoms return within a day or two, the system likely has an underlying issue. Log what you observe:
- Time of day and outdoor temperature
- Thermostat settings
- Any unusual sounds
- Whether the outdoor fan and compressor both ran
Sharing these notes with your technician speeds up accurate diagnosis and saves you money.
Why Resets Become Common in Mid-Season
We see an uptick in reset calls in two Kokomo moments: late May during cottonwood season and late July during long humid stretches. Both increase strain on airflow and controls. A quick rinse of the outdoor coil and a fresh filter in those windows can prevent most nuisance lockouts.
What Homeowners Are Saying
"Kris Polk is the man. He came out today and diagnosed my heat pump in a timely manner. I highly recommend Summers PHC." –Tom W., Heat Pump Repair
"I called Summers with a general question about a notification that I was receiving on my heat pump thermostat. They came out without any hesitation. The technician, Jeff Peterson, was prompt, courteous and friendly. ... He made sure that whatever needed to be done was done correctly. As with every technician who has come to my house, he solidified my confidence in Summers. I highly recommend them." –Peggy G., Heat Pump Service
"We had Kristopher our today to service out heat pump. He was very professional and didn't force us into anything we didn't want for our system." –Vincent D., Heat Pump Maintenance
"Summers has installed our furnace and heat pump, water pump, water heater and cleaned our ducts. Additionally we have a maintenance agreement with them. ... Any replacements we need in the future will be done by this Summers." –Ellen S., Installation & Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait during a heat pump reset?
Wait 5 to 10 minutes with all power off. This lets capacitors discharge and control boards clear lockouts. After restoring power, allow a five-minute compressor delay.
Where is the heat pump reset button?
Some units have a small button on the outdoor or indoor control board. Always power down the system first. If you cannot locate it, use the full breaker reset method.
Will resetting fix a heat pump blowing warm air?
Sometimes. If the cause was a brief power issue or thermostat glitch, a reset can help. Warm air from low refrigerant, dirty coils, or failed parts needs professional service.
Why does my breaker trip when the AC starts?
Common causes include a failing capacitor or compressor, shorted wiring, or a seized fan motor. Do not keep resetting a tripping breaker. Call a licensed technician.
How often should I clean the outdoor unit?
Inspect monthly in spring and summer. Gently rinse the coil a few times per season, especially during cottonwood season, and keep 2 feet of clearance around the unit.
Wrapping Up
You now know how to reset a heat pump safely and when to call for help. If your home still feels warm after a reset, or issues keep returning, schedule expert diagnostics. For fast, friendly help with how to reset a heat pump in Kokomo, call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling at (765) 252-0727 or book online at https://www.summersphc.com/kokomo/. We’re available 24/7 for emergency service.
Ready for Reliable Cooling?
Call (765) 252-0727 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/kokomo/ for same-day heat pump service, precision tune-ups with our No Breakdown Guarantee, or an energy-efficient replacement. Our licensed, background-checked team has served Kokomo since 1969 and will match or beat competitors’ prices.
About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling
Serving Kokomo since 1969, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling is locally owned and trusted for heat pump service, repairs, and installs. Our licensed, background-checked technicians provide same-day service and 24/7 emergency support. We back precision tune-ups with a No Breakdown Guarantee and offer flexible financing, honest pricing, and a match-or-beat price guarantee. From energy-efficient upgrades to routine maintenance, we keep your home comfortable and your energy bills in check.