How to Reset a Central Air Conditioning Unit (Goodman Unit) Air Control Services

Reset your Goodman air conditioner by shutting off power, waiting a few minutes, turning the power back on, and pressing the reset button – if your model has one. 

Most models of Goodman AC, including the GSX14, GSX16, GSX18, and GSZ series, restart easily through this process. 

These units can stop cooling due to a power surge, a tripped safety switch, or even a clogged filter. Performing a proper reset can often get your system running again quickly, without the need for immediate service. 

 

However, if your air conditioning unit still won’t start or keeps tripping, call Air Control Services in Las Cruces, NM, at (575) 636-2754 for professional help. Our technicians can safely troubleshoot the problem and restore the system’s functionality. 

Follow the quick reset steps for your Goodman air conditioner and restart it safely. 

1. Turn Off the Air Conditioning System

Cut off power to your AC to reset it safely by:

• Going to your main circuit breaker box and flipping the breaker for your AC condenser to OFF.

• Turning OFF the breaker for your furnace or air handler.

• At the outdoor unit, open the disconnect box and pull out the handle or flip the switch to OFF.

Doing this ensures the entire system is powered down, protecting yourself and the unit while you perform the reset.

2. Wait a Few Minutes

Leave the system powered off for at least 5 minutes. This allows the control board to clear temporary faults, capacitors to discharge, and refrigerant pressures to stabilize.

However, on many Goodman models, the compressor won’t start immediately after power is restored due to a built-in short-cycle delay.

3. Press the Manual Reset Button (If Your Model Has One)

Many Goodman AC units reset automatically when power is restored, but some models have a manual reset button on the high-pressure switch.

If your unit has this button, it is usually located inside the outdoor condenser compartment near the refrigerant lines.

• Check that the power is OFF again.

• Open the small service panel on the condenser.

• Press the reset button once – do not hold it down.

• Close the panel and restore power.

4. Restore Power and Restart Cooling

Once you’ve completed the reset (or if your unit resets automatically), it’s time to turn the system back on:

• Turn the breakers back ON for both the AC condenser and the furnace/air handler.

• Reinsert the outdoor disconnect handle or flip the outdoor switch back to ON.

• Set your thermostat to COOL and lower the temperature 3–5°F below the current room temperature.

Wait a few minutes. The indoor blower should start first, followed by the outdoor fan and compressor. Your Goodman AC should now be running normally.

Even after following the steps for resetting your Goodman air conditioner, your AC unit may still fail to start. Here are some common reasons and what to check before calling for professional help:

Tripped High-Pressure or Safety Switch

If the compressor or outdoor fan isn’t running, the high-pressure switch may have tripped. Ensure the area around the condenser is clear and the fan can spin freely. Some air conditioners require pressing the manual reset button inside the condenser compartment.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

Restricted airflow can prevent the air conditioning unit from operating properly. Check your air filter and replace or clean it as needed.

Blocked or Dirty Condenser Coil

Debris around the outdoor unit can cause your AC to overheat or trigger safety circuits. Carefully clean the condenser coil and remove any leaves or dirt.

Electrical Issues

Loose wiring, a tripped breaker, or faulty components can prevent the AC unit from restarting. Do not attempt complex electrical repairs yourself, as this can be dangerous.

Persistent Issue or Faults

If pressing the reset button and performing the full air conditioner reset doesn’t work, the problem may be deeper, such as a failed compressor, control board issue, or refrigerant problem.

If you’ve followed all the steps for resetting your Goodman air conditioner, but your AC unit still won’t restart, it’s time to call the experts. Some problems go beyond a simple reset, such as a faulty compressor, control board issues, or electrical switch faults that require professional attention.

At Air Control Services in Las Cruces, NM, our trained technicians can quickly diagnose your air conditioning unit, safely restore power, and get your air conditioning system running efficiently again. 

Whether it’s a stubborn manual reset button or an issue with your thermostat, we handle all common Goodman air conditioning units. Let us take care of the problem so you can enjoy cool, comfortable air again.

Call (575) 636-2754 to book a service. 

Check that your thermostat is set to cool and the temperature is lower than the current room temperature. Replace batteries if needed, and ensure it’s communicating properly with your AC unit.