Storms & Outages
Restarting AC after an outage
Wait for utility power to stabilize, then restart air conditioning in stages and watch for repeat trips or abnormal operation.
Wait until utility power is stable, then restart through the thermostat and watch the first cycle. Do not energize flooded or visibly damaged equipment, and never feed a portable generator through a wall outlet.
Restarting central AC after a grid outage
Keep the thermostat off while power is unstable. Once the utility confirms restoration, turn cooling back on and stay nearby for the first cycle. If the compressor only hums, the breaker trips, or the indoor blower does not respond, turn the thermostat off instead of repeating the restart (Ready.gov).
If the power source is a generator
A window unit can use a cord rated for its load. A central system needs transfer equipment; plugging a generator into a wall outlet can backfeed utility lines and electrocute repair crews (FEMA). Run a portable generator outdoors at least 20 feet from openings and use battery-backed carbon-monoxide alarms (Ready.gov).
After wind or flood damage
Do not energize equipment with a flood line, wet cabinet, shifted outdoor unit, pulled conduit, or damaged refrigerant tubing. Meter-base or service-line damage can require repair, permit inspection, and utility approval before reconnection (Entergy).
Sources
- Power Outages | Ready.gov, accessed 8/12/2026
- Use Generators Safely at Home | FEMA.gov, accessed 8/12/2026
- Safely restoring power to your home after severe weather - Entergy, accessed 8/12/2026