5 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping the Circuit Breaker

Has your air conditioner tripped your circuit breaker more than once? It’s a common problem that can be a real hassle – especially during the summer months. The good news is that often simple fixes can solve the problem. Here are the five most common causes for AC-related circuit breaker tripping.

Clogged Air Filter

When your air filter is blocked with dust, dirt and debris, it makes your air conditioner work harder to circulate air. This causes the blower to draw more electricity and potentially trip the breaker. The quick fix is to replace the air filter. In fact, you should be replacing the filter at least once a month.

Dirty Air Conditioner Unit

Monsoon storms can blow a lot of debris into your unit, making it difficult for it to disperse heat and cool indoor air. If you haven’t done so recently, call the pros at Bruce’s Air Conditioning to have your unit professionally cleaned by a technician who has the right equipment to clean it effectively.

Shorted Motor

The motor in an air conditioner can run for many years, but eventually it can result in the wire insulation to break down – causing a “short.” When this happens, more electricity can be passed through than the wires can handle, causing overheating and sometimes a fire. If you suspect a shorted motor, don’t hesitate in calling for service.

Aging Compressor

As a compressor starts to age out, it can have difficulty in starting, pulling more power than normal. This can trip the breaker. Often, a capacitor can be installed to give the compressor motor extra electricity to get it moving.

Undersized Breaker

Defective or undersized breakers for the size of the HVAC system can result in a circuit breaker tripping. An experienced technician can quickly diagnosis this problem and replace the breaker if necessary.

Tired of circuit breaker-related, air conditioning problems? Don’t keep fighting the battle of the breaker and call Bruce’s today. We’ll be able to troubleshoot the problem and fix it to ensure you have a steady stream of cooling throughout the summer and beyond.