Four Reasons Your AC Is Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

About Me
The Importance Of HVAC System Efficiency

Having the right heating and cooling system in a home or business can have a huge impact on the energy costs associated with HVAC systems. Units that are too large or too small are unable to properly heat or cool a building at maximum efficiency. Hello, my name is Roland, and if you're interested in learning everything you can about HVAC systems, you'll find the information you need in this blog. I belong to an environmental organization that helps homeowners and business owners learn how to reduce their energy costs. Our organization helps people save money on their energy bills, and while doing so, this also helps the planet. I've written this blog to help others learn about HVAC systems and how qualified HVAC contractors can help them save money and help the environment.

Four Reasons Your AC Is Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

28 September 2017
 Categories: , Blog

Your circuit breaker may have tripped once while you had the AC running. No problem, since you can simply go to the electrical panel and switch it back on. But what if this keeps happening? Chances are if it's happening every time your AC is turned on, then it's your AC that is the problem, since it's drawing too many amps. Here are four reasons this could be happening:

  1. ​The Unit Is Dirty: If the unit is dirty, the problem can be solved with a simple fix. Just clean your AC unit. You want to change or clean the air filter, wipe down dust and debris on the outside of the condenser, and clean the fans on the inside of the condenser, which is where most dirt and debris are collected. Once the system is fixed, your AC doesn't have to work as hard to circulate air in your home, thus not having to draw too many amps. 
  2. Refrigerant Levels Are Low: When the refrigerant levels are low, it is forcing the AC to work harder to draw out the warm air and pull in the cold air, since it's the refrigerant that is supposed to be doing this. Be sure that you check for a refrigerant leak and call in professionals for repairs if this is the case. You can tell if there is a refrigerant leak by an obvious hissing sound, a puddle near the condenser, or ice buildup on the coils inside of the condenser.
  3. Problems with the Motor: Another problem could be that the motor is getting old and needs replacing. Once the motor becomes worn, it doesn't help ensure that the air conditioning unit is running smoothly and instead all of the other parts that make up the AC system will have to work harder. 
  4. Damage to the Compressor: Finally, there could be a problem with the compressor, which is what supplies the air. With no air being drawn in, your air conditioner is doing nothing but drawing too many amps. Chances are you will need to replace your AC completely at this point. Be sure to have a full professional inspection first, to ensure that this is truly the case. 

While the most common reason is a dirty AC system, if you notice that a tripped circuit is still a problem once it's clean again, you need to have a professional inspection to determine the true source of the problem. However, it does help to know some of the other reasons, so you know what to be prepared for. Click here to find more information.