The electrical panel in your home, i.e. the breaker box, serves the important function of protecting your electrical system from increases in voltage that can come from electrical shorts and appliances that place too much demand on their circuits. A breaker trips to cut off the voltage flow to the strained circuit, after which you can reset the breaker.
Your air conditioner may trip its circuit breaker at some point, as it’s one of the most powerful electrical appliances in your house. (If you don’t have an electric water heater, then it is the most powerful electrical appliance.) If you have to reset the AC’s breaker at some point, that’s usually not a serious problem. However, if the AC is regularly tripping the breaker, you may need to have AC repair done because something is wrong that’s causing the air conditioner to work harder than normal.
We’ll take a look in more detail at this situation below.
Possible Reasons Your AC is Tripping the Circuit Breaker
1. Dirty Air Filter
One of the simplest causes of an AC tripping the breaker is a dirty air filter. When the air filter is clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder to pull air through the system. This increased strain can cause the unit to overheat, leading to a tripped breaker. Make sure to check and replace your air filter regularly.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels
If your AC is low on refrigerant, it will struggle to cool your home efficiently. This often causes the system to run longer and work harder, which can lead to overheating and tripping the breaker. Low refrigerant levels usually indicate a leak, which needs professional attention.
3. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils in your outdoor unit can become dirty over time, especially if there is a lot of debris around the unit. Dirty coils can cause the AC to overheat because they cannot effectively release heat from the refrigerant. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent this issue.
4. Electrical Issues
There could be a problem with the electrical components of your AC unit, such as faulty wiring, a failing capacitor, or a malfunctioning motor. These issues can cause short circuits or excessive power draw, both of which can trip the breaker. An HVAC technician should inspect and repair these components.
5. Overloaded Circuit
Sometimes the circuit breaker trips because the circuit is overloaded with too many appliances or devices drawing power simultaneously. Ensure that your AC is on a dedicated circuit to prevent this from happening.
What to Do If Your AC Keeps Tripping the Breaker
If your air conditioner is frequently tripping the circuit breaker, you need to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to the AC and keep it running. Here’s what you can do:
- Turn off the AC: If the breaker trips, turn off the AC and avoid resetting the breaker repeatedly. Resetting it too many times can damage your electrical system.
- Check the air filter: Inspect and replace the air filter if it’s dirty.
- Inspect the outdoor unit: Clear away any debris around the outdoor unit and clean the condenser coils if necessary.
- Call a professional: Contact a licensed HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the issue. They can identify the root cause and ensure your system is running safely and efficiently.
At Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning, we provide expert AC repairs in Fresno to get your system back in working order. Don’t let a tripping breaker disrupt your comfort.
Contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning. Uncompromised Quality & Customer Service Since 1952.