Why Does My Air Conditioning Keep Tripping the Circuit Breaker?

There’s nothing worse than heading into the summer heat without an air conditioner. If you have an air conditioner that keeps tripping the circuit breaker, here are some recommendations on how to fix it.

If your air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit breaker, there are several possible causes. It is important to diagnose the problem accurately, so you can repair it as soon as possible.

Here are some common reasons why a circuit breaker might trip:

The AC has a short circuit

This is an electrical problem that happens when the wires in your system become worn or damaged, causing them to contact each other.

The AC has an electrical overload

An electrical overload occurs when too much power flows through the system and causes it to overheat. This can happen if too many appliances are plugged into the same outlet or if you have a malfunctioning outdoor unit.

The breaker is faulty

A faulty breaker will need to be replaced by an electrician because it may be unable to handle the amount of electricity flowing through it.

Dirty condenser coil

In order for your AC to work properly, heat needs to be removed from inside your home. This happens when air flows around the coils in your outdoor unit. If these coils are dirty, they won’t absorb heat quite as easily as they should, which could cause them to overheat and trip the circuit breaker switch

Bad start capacitor

A bad start capacitor can cause the motor in your air conditioner to draw more electricity than needed.

Another reason why your air conditioner may be tripping your circuit breaker is that it’s not getting enough power. This could be due to an older HVAC system or a problem with your electrical panel. If you have an older system, you might want to consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient model that consumes less energy and runs on less amps. Upgrading your HVAC system will also reduce your energy costs and provide better indoor comfort during the summer months.

Your aircon keeps tripping the circuit breaker.

It’s actually pretty easy to fix! Just follow these steps:

1. Turn off the aircon at the thermostat.
2. Find your circuit breaker box and turn off the power to your air conditioner unit at the breaker box.
3. Wait 5 minutes or so for everything in your AC unit to cool down.
4. Turn the circuit back on at the breaker box.
5. Turn your thermostat back on again.
6. Test out your AC unit by turning it back on and letting it cool down a room. If it works, hooray! If not, you may need to call in a professional to check out what’s going on with your aircon.

 It may be time to replace your air conditioner’s thermostat. Otherwise, call a professional to inspect your electrical system or seek advice from an HVAC technician trained to recognize the issues you are experiencing.