If your AC is tripping the circuit breaker all of the time, not only can it can be really frustrating, but it may also be a sign of a bigger issue with your HVAC system. Understanding why your AC circuit breaker keeps tripping and the steps you should take to prevent damage to your AC unit is important for both convenience and safety.
What is a Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker is part of your main electrical panel and does just what it says. Simply put, in the event of overloads, short circuits, or ground faults, it “trips” or cuts off and breaks the circuit of the electrical current. It’s basically like an off-switch in the event of an electrical issue. Its main function is to protect the electrical circuits in your home from damage and prevent electrical fires.
Why Does the AC Trip the Circuit Breaker?
The AC System is Overworking:
Anything that causes the AC system to overwork can cause circuit breaker trips. If the AC system is pulling too much electricity to keep up, the tripped circuit breaker prevents any further damage. Here are some reasons your system might be overworking:
- Clogged Air Filter
- Capacitor or Compressor Failure
- Low Refrigerant Levels
- Dirty Condenser Coils
- Frozen Evaporator Coils
Electrical Problems:
- Overloaded Circuit (too much on one circuit)
- Short Circuits or Electrical Issues (loose wiring, faulty wiring, loose connections)
Other Common Causes:
- Power outage
- Power surge
- Bad circuit breaker
What to Do If Your AC Keeps Tripping the Breaker
If your AC breaker keeps tripping, it’s not something you want to ignore. You’ll want to have a professional look into the possible causes right away. Putting this off can leave you with more damage and more costly repairs. Follow these steps if you have this common issue:
Turn off the AC Immediately
If your AC breaker trips, don’t reset it right away. Turn off your AC and assess the issue before you reset the breaker.
Inspect the Unit
Check your air filter to make sure it’s not clogged. Check the inside unit and outdoor unit for any debris. Check to make sure the coils are clean.
Call a Dolphin Cooling HVAC Technician
If it’s as simple as replacing your air filter and resetting your breaker, great! But if you find yourself having a hard time figuring out what caused the trip indicator, be sure to call a professional HVAC technician to address the issue. Your AC system has so much current running through it and it is not recommended that you handle any issues with your home’s electrical system as a safety measure. Since electrical problems can be a fire hazard, you’ll want to schedule a tech to check it as quickly as possible. Contact Dolphin Cooling to schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing this common problem.