Staying cool during the summer is essential, but a constantly tripping breaker can disrupt your comfort. If your AC unit keeps tripping the breaker, it's a sign there's an issue with the electrical circuit or the air conditioner itself.
You have determined that your air conditioner keeps tripping the breaker, but you aren’t quite sure why. Our St. Paul air conditioning team has a few thoughts as to why this is happening. But first, you need to check and make sure the breaker is the proper amps for the air conditioning unit. If so, then here are a few things you can check.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Tripping the Circuit Breaker?
- Check your air filter to see how dirty it is. When your filter is dirty, your air conditioning unit has to work very hard and longer to circulate the air through the filter. This will cause the blower to draw more electricity and possibly trip the breaker. Check your filter regularly and clean or replace it as needed (usually every 1-3 months).
- Your air conditioner has an inside unit and an outside unit. The outside unit is also susceptible to dirt and debris that can clog it up. Again, a dirty air conditioner unit is a unit that works too hard and can cause a tripped breaker. Debris like leaves, twigs, or even grass clippings can accumulate around the outdoor unit, hindering airflow and causing the compressor to overheat. Regularly clear away any obstructions to ensure proper ventilation.
- There is a chance that the motor in your A/C unit has a short in it. If a motor runs too long, the wire insulation can break down and lead to an electrical short, which will trip the breaker.
- If your AC unit shares a circuit with other appliances, especially high-powered ones, the combined load might exceed the breaker's capacity. Try running the AC alone to see if the tripping stops.
- Internal issues like a failing compressor motor, refrigerant leak, or damaged wiring can cause a surge in current, tripping the breaker. These problems require professional diagnosis and repair.
Never attempt to fix electrical problems yourself. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, turn off the AC and contact an HVAC professional at Hoffman Cooling & Heating immediately. Refrigerant can be harmful if inhaled.
There are several problems with your air conditioner that could cause your breaker to trip. If you cannot easily discover the problem, call Hoffman Cooling & Heating and have us take a look.