Why Is My AC Tripping the Breaker?

Jul 26, 2024HVAC Westchester

Imagine the AC working on a hot summer day at the right temperature, then suddenly turning off several times that day. Your circuit breaker is normally responsible for this because it helps protect the home from electrical issues that may lead to fires and electrocution. It makes you wonder why the AC unit keeps tripping the breaker. Here are some common reasons.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

This is one of the most likely reasons why the AC keeps tripping the breaker. If you have a dirty air filter, there will be issues with the free flow of air through the system. In the process, the AC will have to work extra hard to achieve the usual performance. This leads to overheating and could be a valid reason for why your AC is tripping the breaker. Luckily, this is a quick DIY fix, where you can simply remove the dirty air filter and replace it with another one.

Learn more: How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter? A Guide to Indoor Air Quality

Refrigerant Leak

Another possible explanation for why the breaker keeps tripping is due to a leak. The refrigerant helps cool the air in your house. Therefore, if anything goes wrong, such as a leak, then the unit will have to make up for it by overworking itself to maintain the cooling process. This easily triggers the circuit breaker. If this happens, you will have to call in the professionals for urgent repair to avoid worse damage.

Faulty Capacitor

If the above are not the reasons why your AC breaker is tripping, then a faulty capacitor may be to blame, especially if it keeps happening immediately after you turn the AC on. The capacitor helps boost the compressor, so if faulty, it may cause tripping. If you think that this is happening, consider calling a technician immediately for help with the repairs.

Electrical Issues

Lastly, issues with the breaker tripping may be due to problems with the electric connections in the unit. Maybe the AC is malfunctioning because there are loose wires or the breaker switch is faulty. Another explanation is that maybe the motor in the AC has heated up for so long that the wire insulation has melted, leading to a short. If you suspect there are circuit issues or any electrical problems, you want to immediately call in an HVAC expert. Avoid DIY because these issues are dangerous and best handled by a licensed technician.

Air Conditioner Repair in Dupage County

Who do you call when you are running into issues like the AC tripping the breaker? The best and safest way to go is to immediately contact the experts at Pure Climate Heating and Cooling for air conditioner repair in Dupage County.

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