If your air conditioner is frequently tripping its circuit breaker, this is a problem that needs to be handled as soon as possible. It’s an indication that something is seriously wrong with your air conditioning system. There are several reasons why this problem can occur.
Low Refrigerant Level
Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to remove heat from your home. If there isn’t enough refrigerant, your AC system will work harder and longer to cool your home. It may demand more power than the circuit breaker can handle, which will result in it tripping.
You should call an HVAC company if you suspect your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant. Signs of this problem include a hissing sound, low airflow, and small bubbles in the evaporator coils. An experienced technician can find the leak, repair it, and recharge your AC system’s refrigerant.
Texas Pride Heating & Air in Southlake, TX, can fix refrigerant problems. We have 24/7 emergency repair services for when your air conditioner problem just can’t wait.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter may be to blame for your circuit breaker frequently tripping. Dirty air filters reduce airflow, which can cause your AC system to overheat. You should replace the filter every few months. Make sure to change it more frequently if you have pets, a smoker in your home, or a family member with allergies.
Dirty Condenser Coil
Your AC system’s condenser is in the outdoor AC unit. As it’s exposed to the elements, in can get dirty. If enough dust, dirt, leaves, grass, and other materials build up on it, the result will be problems with your air conditioner.
Make sure you have a professional perform preventative maintenance on your AC system every spring. As part of this service, they will clean the condenser coil and other critical parts. During a tune-up, they also have the opportunity to spot other problems that can cause the circuit breaker to trip.
The Compressor Is “Hard Starting”
The compressor is the most important part in your air conditioning system. As it gets older, problems may develop. This includes causing the circuit breaker to trip.
Your AC system should take about one second to turn on when it’s operating as it should. Anything longer than this indicates there’s likely a problem with its compressor. A hard start is a situation in which the system has difficulty starting and running. It may demand too much electricity, causing the circuit breaker to trip.
Loose Wiring
Loose wiring can cause the circuit breaker to trip. Over time, the complex series of wires in your air conditioning system can become loose from their connections. When you schedule annual maintenance, the technicians will inspect electrical connections and tighten any that have come loose.
Loose wires can also cause electrical short circuits. This happens when two exposed wires touch. Over time, wires can lose their sheathing, which means they become exposed.
An example of a wiring problem is when the compressor becomes grounded. If electrical wires are touching it, all the electricity will go to the ground. This spikes the amps and causes the circuit breaker to trip. This can happen when you turn on the air conditioning or after it has been operating for some time.
Faulty Circuit Breaker
It may not be your air conditioning system causing its circuit breaker to trip but the circuit breaker itself. The circuit breaker may have gone bad or gotten loose. Breakers can go bad from simple wear and tear.
Sometimes, your circuit breaker may be undersized for your air conditioner. Signs of a faulty circuit breaker include a burning smell, a surface that is hot to the touch, and frequent tripping.
Faulty Coil Fan
Your air conditioning system uses fans to cool the coils. If a fan motor breaks, this can result in increased electricity usage and the coil fan burning out. There may also be other broken parts that are causing high amounts of electricity usage. You’ll need to call in a technician to fix this problem.
Texas Pride Heating & Air is a local company that specializes in the repair, installation, and maintenance of heating and air conditioning systems. Our products include gas furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, air handlers, mini-splits, and air scrubbers. Our team can also help you with ventilation, indoor air quality, and insulation. Find out more by giving us a call today
