Air conditioners are often finicky. Almost anything can set them off as they age. But sometimes, they fail without warning because of another essential connection like the circuit breaker.
“Why does my AC keep tripping the breaker?” you ask, puzzled as you pad toward the breaker box buried in the basement’s gloom. As the go-to for ultimate AC repair services in Inola, Oklahoma, Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric explores potential reasons below.
Filthy Filters
Your air filter does lots of heavy lifting to clean the air and protect the HVAC system. It’s easy to forget about these cardboard-framed sheets of fiber, but they can cause problems that snowball out of control. Fortunately, you can easily change a dirty air filter by yourself.
How can a nasty, old filter trip a breaker? The more filth the fibers trap, the higher the air resistance. Your air conditioner works harder during each cycle and therefore draws more electricity from your grid. If your electrical network can’t meet its demands, it can trip.
Electrical Disconnections
Sometimes, the issue doesn’t originate with your air conditioner. Your unit connects to the network via a series of wires. Electrical wiring problems, like frayed or exposed wires, can make your breaker trip.
You might also have an overloaded circuit somewhere in your home. Circuit overloads occur when you connect too many electrical devices to a specific outlet. When these devices demand excessive power, the electrical circuit will divert the electricity to them rather than disperse it. The breaker for your air conditioner might trip as a result.
Clogged Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit stays exposed to the elements and organic debris. Think about it: when you mow your lawn or rake leaves, you try to direct some debris away from the house. Some of that matter will travel toward your home by wind. You might also accidentally push it toward the building.
Some materials inevitably get caught in the outdoor unit’s grates. The debris inhibits the whole system’s performance, much like a filthy filter. The hardworking system demands too much electricity, which, in turn, triggers a circuit break.
Motor Shorts
“Why does my AC keep tripping the breaker?” you ponder as you cautiously flip the switch back to its original position. The problem might lie hidden deep within the system. The motor does most of the heavy lifting. Since it powers the whole system, it uses lots of electricity.
It can overheat as it ages. You might notice the immediate effects for months or even years. However, the heat will eventually melt the wire’s protective coatings, leaving new pathways for electricity to travel. The short occurs when the electrical current takes a shortcut and breaks the circuit.
Breaker Issues
Diagnosing broken HVAC circuits is often tricky because the issue might originate beyond the air conditioner. Sometimes, your circuit breaker is at fault. Breakers can last decades: around 50 years! You can easily forget about how aging affects it.
If the circuit breaker starts malfunctioning frequently, talk with an electrician in Inola, Oklahoma. You might also notice:
- Burning or smoky odors
- Warmth around the breaker box
- Tripped switches connected to other locations
- Buzzing noises
Compressor Problems
You can’t stay cool without the compressor. This component compresses refrigerant during cycles. Since it needs ample electricity to start, it takes priority over other appliances.
Old age is one of the most common compressor issues. Your outdated compressor demands more electricity to start up, which overloads the grid. It might also have a faulty or damaged wire that sends electricity to the wrong place, causing the compressor to short circuit.
Faulty Capacitor
When your air conditioner clicks on, does it instantly trip the circuit breaker? If so, it could have a faulty capacitor. The capacitor receives and distributes electricity to the other components.
Its intimate relationship with the power supply makes it a prime candidate for tripped breakers. It’s also one of the more dangerous parts to handle, so only technicians should repair or replace them.
If you find yourself wrestling with breaker trips or other air conditioning issues, explore HVAC resources to help you stay comfortable until a tech arrives. Don’t attempt to solve issues outside of filter replacement and unit cleaning since electrocution risks run high.
Why Does My AC Keep Tripping the Breaker? Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric in Inola, Oklahoma, Can Figure It Out!
“Why does my AC keep tripping the breaker? Wait! I know who has answers!”
That’s us at Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric in Inola, Oklahoma. Call for AC maintenance, repairs, and related HVAC services. Learn more today.
