WHY IS MY AC CIRCUIT BREAKER TRIPPING? 7 MAIN CAUSES
When your AC circuit breaker trips, you may think something is seriously wrong with your cooling system. Sometimes the cause is serious, while in other cases, the problem is easily fixable.
At Brothers Air, Heat & Plumbing, we regularly hear from concerned homeowners about tripped circuit breakers. We want to help you troubleshoot your system to determine whether you need professional help. Keep reading to find out when it’s time to bring in a technician.
7 COMMON CAUSES OF CIRCUIT BREAKER TRIPS
Why does your AC trip the circuit breaker? It’s usually caused by one of the following problems.
1. ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD
If your home has an older electrical setup, you may be dealing with a case of system overload. Too many appliances running at the same time can trip a circuit breaker.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Troubleshooting this problem often starts with testing each appliance individually. Examples include the microwave, hair dryer, or desk fan. When multiple units are running on the same circuit, it can result in an electrical overload.
You could also try disconnecting all other appliances, then turning on the cooling system. If this results in a circuit tripping, the AC is the culprit.
2. SHORT CIRCUITS
Short-circuiting is a necessary fail-safe designed to protect your home from potential electrical and fire hazards. If your AC circuit breaker keeps tripping, you may have underlying damage that is causing your system to shut down.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
If you suspect faulty wiring, melted wires, or poor insulation, bring in a professional to take a closer look and handle any necessary repairs.
3. FAULTY CAPACITOR
Your capacitor functions much like a battery, providing your AC system with the power it needs to start up and run. If the capacitor is old or damaged, it can’t handle electricity or may handle too much in too short a time.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
A faulty capacitor is another issue you’ll need to contact a professional to address. Attempting to open your system and perform repairs could expose you to burns or electric shock. Brothers can perform air conditioning repair services, including fixing faulty capacitors.
4. DIRTY CONDENSER COILS
Over time, grime and debris can build up on the condenser coils as they filter moisture and heat from your home. Without clean condenser coils, the system can’t maintain consistent airflow or operate efficiently. This poor airflow can cause your air conditioner to overheat, potentially tripping a breaker and leading to higher energy bills.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
At Brothers, our cooling services include routine maintenance, which encompasses light cleaning of key components. Give us a call to schedule service, and we can determine whether the coils are due for a cleaning.
5. PHYSICAL DAMAGE
Does your area experience frequent power outages? You might have a circuit breaker that’s sustained physical damage from electrical surges. This damage may result in scorch marks or constant tripping without an obvious explanation.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
A damaged circuit breaker doesn’t have a DIY fix. It can also be a hazard if you don’t seek professional service as soon as possible.
6. MALFUNCTIONING PARTS
It’s entirely possible that a malfunctioning part in the air conditioner is causing the breaker to trip. When even one damaged or worn part can cause a ripple effect throughout the entire system, it makes sense to bring in a technician to identify the cause and resolve it.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
When in doubt, let a professional handle it. Relying on an expert is the simplest and safest way to keep your cooling system working while protecting your home from risks.
7. INCORRECT BREAKER SIZE OR WEAK BREAKER
The circuit breaker must align with the equipment and circuit requirements of your home. When it is weak or improperly sized, frequent tripping is common. Age or damage can also put extra strain on an existing electrical setup.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Circuit breakers require professional attention. Our team at Brothers can assist with cooling concerns, but you’ll need an electrician to repair or replace the breaker in your home.
You don’t have to deal with your AC tripping the circuit breaker all summer long. Brothers provides accessible heating and cooling services throughout North Carolina. Give us a call to discuss your concerns, and we’ll be happy to help.
WHY YOU SHOULD NOT KEEP RESETTING YOUR CIRCUIT BREAKER
It’s not a good idea to keep resetting your AC breaker to try to force it to work again. You can actually cause even more damage if it has damaged wiring or burnt parts that are causing the malfunction in the first place.
Resetting your AC breaker once is enough to test it, as long as you don’t suspect any serious damage. If the system still isn’t working or tripping the circuit breaker, you need to leave it off and bring in a professional technician to diagnose the cause.
CAN A DIRTY FILTER TRIP THE CIRCUIT BREAKER?
Yes, a dirty air filter can trip the circuit breaker if it’s been a long time since you last changed it. Blocked or restricted airflow can cause your unit to overheat, which can trip the circuit breaker for safety.
CALL BROTHERS TO RESOLVE YOUR COOLING ISSUES
Brothers has an experienced team of HVAC professionals ready to identify the cause of your AC circuit breaker tripping. Instead of constantly worrying about your home’s safety or rising energy bills, bring in one of our trained technicians to find the source of the problem and fix it.
If your AC circuit breaker keeps tripping, don’t hesitate to call us for assistance. We’re here to show you what makes us a top home service provider in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Homeowners across the state consistently choose us for HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance services, complemented by our:
Flexible financing options
Ongoing coupons and specials to save you even more
Pro Service Plans with priority service and yearly maintenance discounts
A broad service area covering the Charlotte area
Put this frustrating cooling situation behind you with the help of our skilled professionals. Schedule an appointment online to get an estimate for HVAC services.