Is your AC tripping the circuit breaker? There are a few reasons this could happen. Read on to learn what they are.
But first, a little PSA: a tripped circuit breaker is not a problem you should brush aside. This is especially true if it happens when you turn your air conditioner on. Be sure to call for an HVAC specialist as soon as this problem begins to occur. Don’t attempt to fix the issue on your own as you may run the risk of getting seriously injured.
Looking for air conditioning Cedar Hill, Texas? Contact Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating at (469) 240-5618.
Keep reading for more info on why your air conditioner is tripping the circuit breaker.
1. Dirty Air Filter
Air conditioners, like any appliance or equipment, run into problems when efficiency is reduced. A dirty air filter can cause a significant reduction in efficiency. When air filters become clogged, they prevent effective airflow throughout the entire HVAC system from unit to ductwork.
Air conditioners that have to work harder use more electricity. Because the unit draws more electricity, it could cause the breaker to trip. To fix this problem you’ll need to regularly replace your air filter. If you leave it for too long, it could cause damage that requires costly repair.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coil
Evaporator coils complete the essential task of cooling the air in your home. These coils are filled with refrigerant. When the fan blows the air from outside over the coils, the refrigerant pulls heat out of the air. This leaves you with cool air to keep you comfortable all day. If the unit becomes overworked or airflow is blocked, such as through a dirty filter, the coils can freeze.
When this occurs, the unit begins to use up more electricity. This can result in a tripped breaker. To fix this issue, you’ll have to turn your unit off and wait for the coils to defrost. You’ll know they have defrosted once you see a puddle on the ground. Afterwards, you’ll need to call for AC repair so that technicians can assess why the coils froze in the first place.
3. Dirty Condenser Coil
Condenser coils are located in your outdoor unit. These, through high pressure, release heat that was initially absorbed in the evaporator coils. When the condenser coils get dirty, they cannot release heat as well as they can while clean. Again, this makes your outdoor unit work harder and use more electricity, causing a tripped circuit.
This issue occurs when air conditioners are not properly maintained. To ensure this doesn’t happen in the future, schedule regular AC maintenance. During a maintenance appointment, the technicians will clean the condenser coils.
4. Bad Capacitor
The capacitor starts up the compressor in your HVAC system. These parts are vital to an HVAC unit; without them the unit won’t work. This kind of issue can cause tripped breakers because the unit may draw on extra electricity to try to jumpstart the system.
Unfortunately, a broken capacitor is irreparable. It will need to be replaced. Depending on the type of system you have, it might make more sense, financially, to schedule an entire AC replacement instead.
5. Loose Wiring
Older air conditioners often have loose wires and parts. As the unit accumulates normal wear and tear, wires become frayed, damaged and loose. This can cause tripped circuits because the electrical connection is blocked or damaged.
You should never attempt to repair something like this on your own. Loose wiring can be dangerous if not taken care of. Contact a technician right away for emergency HVAC repair. They can determine if the issue is something they can fix. In some cases, an AC technician may refer the problem to an electrician.
6. Broken Fan
The fan keeps airflow at optimum levels. Without a properly working fan, air won’t move over the evaporator coils. This can cause all sorts of problems: the coils will freeze and the air will start coming out warm. A broken fan is not something to leave for another day. The extra electricity the unit requires to keep the system running can cause tripped circuits.
To fix a broken fan, you’ll have to contact an HVAC repair company. They will either replace the fan or repair it, depending on the extent of the damage. In some cases, they may also have to repair additional issues, such as frozen coils, caused by the broken fan.
7. Refrigerant Leak
You’ll know if you have a refrigerant leak because you’ll see a puddle of liquid at the base of your air conditioner. The air in your home may also start to come out warm instead of cool. All of this can cause the unit to use more electricity and result in a tripped circuit breaker.
This kind of issue should be addressed by a professional. Refrigerant is extremely irritating if it gets in the eyes or on the skin. Professional HVAC technicians should always be the ones to handle this kind of problem. You don’t even have to worry about cleaning up the refrigerant: they’ll do it for you.
8. Shorted Motor
Air conditioner motors run for hours on end. During some times of the year, they can run for over 10 hours a day. Through normal wear and tear, motors can become damaged. For example, the insulation may break down or the parts can become loose. This can cause the wiring in the motor to short, leading to a tripped circuit.
Quality Air Conditioning Cedar Hill TX
If you are looking for a dependable HVAC Cedar Hill, TX team, you’ve come to the right place. Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating has the best technicians for any job. From replacements and repairs to maintenance and inspections, we have the expertise to get things done the right way. Our team is dedicated to providing quality customer service and excellent workmanship.
To schedule an appointment with the Dial One Johnson team, give us a call at 469-240-5618 or contact us online.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.