A tripped circuit breaker is not something to take lightly. Although tripped breakers typically occur in homes running multiple appliances, circuit breaker tripping is caused by a surge of electricity, also known as overcurrent. When you flip a breaker back to the on position without addressing the problem, you run the risk of damage to the appliances and an increased risk of an electrical fire. If your air conditioning is constantly causing your circuit breaker to trip, the issue could be something as simple as an overloaded breaker or a more serious problem such as a faulty compressor or broken motor. Continue reading for five possible reasons your AC is tripping the circuit breaker.
Common Reasons Why an Air Conditioning System Trips The Breaker Overloaded breaker.
An overloaded breaker, as mentioned, occurs when there is an overcurrent or surge of electricity running through the breaker. If you are running several large appliances on one breaker, this is likely your problem. Consider working with a licensed professional to reroute the electricity powering your air conditioning unit to avoid catastrophic damage. Even if your AC is on its own circuit breaker, you can still experience an overloaded breaker. This occurs when the air conditioning is working harder than usual due to a dirty or old air filter, debris buildup on the unit itself, low refrigerant, or a broken condenser fan. If your AC is on its own breaker and you are experiencing a tripped breaker when the system powers on, it’s probably time to call an HVAC professional
Compressor issue. A compressor issue is perhaps the most serious of problems you might have if your AC is frequently tripping a breaker. When your AC compressor fails to pump refrigerant into your AC unit, it leads to burnout within the system. This is called a “grounded” compressor. Replacing a compressor in your air conditioning unit is typically a very expensive project unless covered under warranty. However, even if the part is covered, you will likely still spend a decent amount of money on the labor to replace the part. If you find that your problem lies in the compressor, you might want to consider purchasing a new condenser unit entirely.
Broken motor. If your air conditioning motor is shorting, it can alert the breaker to trip. This is a safety feature that helps to avoid overheating and the risk of fire. This occurs when the motor of your air conditioning runs for a long period of time, causing the insulation around the wires to overheat and break down. The circuit breaker shuts off electricity when the system overheats.
Dirty Condenser Coil. Is your system not cooling as well as it should? A dirty condenser coil is one of the main culprits. When your condenser coil becomes clogged with dirt and debris, it prevents air from flowing through the unit effectively. This causes the motor to work harder which in turn causes an overload on the breaker. To avoid damage to your system, have a professional clean your condenser coil or replace it if necessary.
Fan Motor Problems. If your AC air filter is clogged, it can cause the fan motor to draw too much power and trip the breaker. To fix this issue, you will need to clean or replace your air filter depending on how dirty it is and if it has changed in the last few months. If the fan motor is damaged, you may need to have it replaced by a professional HVAC technician. A circuit breaker tripping can be a sign of an electrical problem in your home or with your AC system. If you are constantly experiencing this issue, it’s best to consult with a licensed professional who can help you diagnose and solve the problem quickly and efficiently. Keep these five reasons in mind the next time your AC trips the breaker and you may be able to get back to comfortable cooling in no time.
5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Professional Maintenance or Repair
One way to prevent frequent breaker tripping is to keep up with regular maintenance on your air conditioner. Here are five signs you should call a professional for help:
Soaring Energy Bills Is your energy bill higher than usual? This could be an indicator that something is wrong with your air conditioning system. If your AC isn’t running properly, it has to work harder to cool your home and thus uses more energy.
Check the filters on your AC unit regularly to keep them clean and clear of dust, dirt, and debris that can reduce your system’s efficiency. Loud Noises or Vibrations If you hear strange noises coming from your AC unit or if it is vibrating more than usual, this could be a sign something is wrong with the fan motor or compressor. It’s important to have these problems looked at immediately to avoid further damage and costly repairs.
Musty Odors If you start to notice an unpleasant musty odor coming from your AC unit, it could mean there is mold or bacteria growing inside the system. This can be dangerous and should be taken care of as soon as possible. An HVAC technician can inspect your system for any dirt or debris buildup and recommend the best course of action for cleaning it.
High Humidity Levels When your AC unit isn’t working properly, it won’t be able to reduce humidity levels in your home any longer. Too much humidity can lead to mold growth, which can cause a variety of health problems for you and your family. Have an HVAC technician check your system and repair any issues that may be causing poor dehumidification.
Unusual Cycling Is your AC unit cycling on and off more than usual? This could mean there is an issue with the compressor or fan motor. If left unchecked, this can lead to more serious problems down the road. Have a professional HVAC technician inspect your unit and repair any issues that may be causing it to cycle improperly. Regular air conditioning maintenance can help prevent some of the problems mentioned above, so make sure you have your system inspected by an HVAC professional at least once a year. This will ensure that your AC unit is running properly and that you and your family are staying comfortable all year round. A professional HVAC technician can also diagnose any issues that may arise, so you can rest easy knowing that your system is in good hands.
Don’t Play With Wire – Call in The Professionals
Not sure of what the problem is with your air conditioning? With so many inner workings to a typical AC system, it’s always a good idea to call a professional for help before trying to diagnose the problem yourself. If your AC is causing your circuit breaker to trip and you can’t get to the bottom of the issue, call the licensed technicians at DeZiel Heating & AC. We’ll make sure your system is operating as safely as possible. Schedule an AC diagnostic appointment today at (763) 200-5453 .
