Has your air conditioner tripped your circuit breaker more than once this monsoon season in the Valley of the Sun? It’s a widespread issue that can be a real hassle – especially during our oppressively hot and humid 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.
1. Dirty AC Unit
Monsoon storms can blow a lot of debris into your unit, making it difficult for it to disperse heat and cool indoor air properly. If you haven’t done so recently, call your licensed air conditioning professionals at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating to have your unit professionally cleaned by one of our technicians who has the right equipment to clean it effectively.
2. Dirty Air Filter
When your air filter is blocked with dust, dirt, and debris, it makes your air conditioner work harder to circulate clean 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 during Arizona’s dusty monsoon thunderstorm season.
3. Old Compressor
As a compressor starts to age, it can have difficulty 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.
4. Old AC 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 smell smoke or see your motor burning, exit your home, and call 911 immediately. If you suspect a shorted motor, don’t hesitate in calling Bruce’s for service.
5. Breaker Bad
Defective or undersized breakers for the size of the HVAC system can result in a circuit breaker tripping. An experienced technician can quickly diagnose this problem and replace the breaker if necessary.
Call the Experts Today
Tired of circuit breaker-related air conditioning problems? Call your local expert technicians at Bruce’s today at 480-968-5652. We’ll be able to troubleshoot the problem and fix it properly the first time to ensure you have a steady stream of cooling throughout the rest of summer and beyond.
