American Standard AC: Why Wait And How To Deal With It?

The American Standard AC is renowned for its efficiency and durability, ensuring a superior cooling experience for users. If you’re curious about why your American Standard AC displays the message “waiting” and what steps to take, you’ve come to the right place. Our team consulted HVAC experts to provide you with comprehensive answers. Here is their response.

When your American Standard AC shows the “Wait” message, it means that the HVAC system is not yet activated. This is a protective measure to prevent damage to the compressor in the system. If everything is in order, the “Wait” message should disappear after a short while, and your AC will resume normal operation. However, if the message persists for an extended period, it’s advisable to contact a technician.

Before delving into what actions to take when you see the “Wait” message on your AC, it’s essential to understand why this message appears. Continue reading for a more detailed explanation.

The Reason Behind “Wait” On Your American Standard AC

The appearance of the “Wait” message indicates that your AC is waiting to initiate the HVAC system. Typically, this is done to protect the compressor within the HVAC system. The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the system and facilitating the cooling of the air entering your home.

If your air conditioner has been off for an extended period, such as in the morning, and then turns on when the afternoon sun becomes intense, the compressor needs some time to start up. This delay is a safety feature designed to prevent abrupt cycling of the machinery. Rapidly responding to the call could subject the system’s components, particularly the compressor, to excessive pressure and potential damage.

Despite the inconvenience it may cause, it’s advantageous that your HVAC system doesn’t turn on immediately when instructed. The “Wait” message you receive in such situations is actually beneficial for both you and your device.

What To Do When Your American Standard AC Says “Wait”

A thermostat serves as a tool for regulating the HVAC system in a building. It instructs the HVAC system when to start heating or cooling a space and when to stop. Among the most critical components of an HVAC system is the compressor.

The “Wait” feature on a thermostat is designed to ensure proper operation of the HVAC system’s compressor. After being turned back on, an HVAC system requires a few minutes to adjust. If the compressor within the system is turned on too soon, it could potentially cause damage. This phenomenon is known as “short cycling.”

If the “Wait” message remains visible after several minutes, there may be an issue with the thermostat’s ability to receive the required voltage. In such a scenario, additional troubleshooting steps may be necessary. To determine if the applied voltage falls within the permitted range, a voltmeter can be used.

Additionally, it’s important to check for any faulty or shorted cables. Sometimes, simply turning off the HVAC system at the breaker, waiting a few minutes, and then turning it back on can resolve the issue.

How Long Should The Thermostat Display “Wait”?

Under normal circumstances, a thermostat can prepare your system within approximately five minutes or less while safeguarding it against problems like short cycling.

By waiting a few minutes for the compressor to activate after the HVAC system is turned on, you can avoid short cycling. This is why the “Wait” option is commonly used. Most thermostats incorporate a wait time of five minutes to prevent the HVAC compressor from operating immediately.

This is a typical and expected duration, and the issue should resolve itself shortly. It is best to be patient and allow your system to begin operating automatically.

Understanding “Waiting for Equipment” on Your Thermostat The “waiting for equipment” message on your thermostat indicates that the system requires a little more time to prepare itself for efficient heating or cooling. This delay acts as a safety measure to prevent equipment failure.

If the system has been off for three to five minutes and experiences a sudden temperature change, it may turn back on. In such cases, the “waiting for equipment” notice will appear on your thermostat.

Why Isn’t My American Standard AC Working?

Even with proper maintenance, there is always a small possibility that your air conditioner may unexpectedly stop working. Mechanical devices can malfunction, but these malfunctions often have underlying causes. Here’s how to handle an unexpected AC failure:

1. Examine the Thermostat: When your air conditioner suddenly stops operating, it’s advisable to check the thermostat first. Ensure that it is turned on and check the settings. You can also try adjusting the temperature setting to see if it triggers the air conditioning to start.

The placement of your AC system can also affect its operation. If the immediate vicinity of the thermostat feels cooler than the rest of the house, the thermostat may switch off the air conditioning to match the perceived temperature. This can occur if your thermostat is located near a window or another source of cold air. Additionally, check if the thermostat batteries need replacing or if it requires cleaning, as it controls the AC system.

2. Check the Breakers: Tripped breakers can cause the air conditioner to stop functioning. If this happens, check your circuit box. If you find a tripped breaker, reset it before attempting to use your air conditioner again.

Tripped breakers can occur due to electrical issues in the home or other factors related to the AC unit. For instance, an AC unit drawing excessive electricity or overheating may trip the breaker.

3. Inspect Airflow: Proper airflow is essential for your AC system to function effectively. If you hear the AC turning on but do not feel any conditioned air, there may be an airflow problem. Check if anything is obstructing the airflow, starting with the vents and grilles. Removing any obstructions may resolve the issue. Additionally, consider cleaning or replacing the filters.
4. Review Maintenance Schedule: Lack of regular maintenance can contribute to AC failures. Sudden AC breakdowns can be caused by various factors, many of which can be mitigated through routine maintenance.

Where Can I Find the Reset Button On An American Standard Furnace?

Reset buttons are present on every furnace and are typically located inside the blower compartment. These buttons are often colored red or yellow. When a problem is detected, such as a hot or overheating furnace, the reset button serves as a safety mechanism, shutting down the furnace before it trips the circuit breaker.

How Do I Reset My American Standard AC?

To reset your American Standard AC, follow these steps:

1. Turn It Off: Before resetting the thermostat, switch off your air conditioner. Consult your owner’s manual to locate the AC unit’s shutoff button. It’s crucial to ensure the thermostat is in the off position for safe work on the AC unit.
2. Find the Circuit Breaker: Locate your circuit breaker box, usually found in basements, closets, or crawl spaces. Identify and switch off the breaker connected to your air conditioning system.
3. Delay for 60 Seconds: After turning off the circuit breaker connected to the AC unit, wait for a full minute. After the 60-second timer expires, restore power to the AC unit. As a safety precaution, it’s a good idea to inform everyone in your home that you will be resetting breakers.
4. Switch It Back On: Once one minute has passed, the air conditioner will automatically reset. Carefully restart your thermostat by adjusting the settings to the desired temperature. Wait for the air to cool before assuming that the AC unit is functioning properly. Resetting the AC unit is often the solution when a circuit breaker trips, and resolving it is straightforward once you identify the issue.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Running But Not Cooling The House?

There can be several reasons why your AC is running but not cooling the house. Here are some common causes:

1. Incorrectly Set Thermostat: If you notice that your home is warmer than usual despite the AC running, check the thermostat settings. Ensure that the thermostat is set to “cool” mode and verify the temperature setting. Sometimes, the thermostat may have been inadvertently changed to a different setting, such as “heat,” “constant fan,” or “off.” Switch it back to the cooling mode (often labeled as “on”) and allow some time for the system to run before checking if the registers are blowing cold air.
2. Dirty Filter: The indoor air handler unit of your air conditioning system may have an air filter inside or nearby. This filter captures dirt, dust, and other airborne particles before they reach the air handler unit. It helps maintain cleaner indoor air quality and enhances the efficiency of the system’s internal components. If the filter is dirty or clogged, it can restrict airflow and impede cooling. Check and clean or replace the filter if necessary.

To Summarize

A malfunctioning AC can be frustrating, particularly during hot seasons. We hope that the information provided above will help you resolve the “Wait” message and get your American Standard AC working again. Remember to conduct basic troubleshooting steps like checking the thermostat, breakers, airflow, and filters. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the reset process for your AC unit. If problems persist, it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional HVAC technician for a thorough diagnosis and repair.