How Do I Stop My AC From Tripping the Breaker?
Whether you have a circuit breaker issue or a unit that’s underperforming, our team can handle it. Call us today to get your comfort back on track!
If your air conditioner abruptly stops working and won’t turn back on, it may have tripped a circuit breaker. And with temperatures on the rise, knowing how to identify the cause could prevent you from sweating through the Florida summer.
How do I stop my AC from tripping the breaker? This post will help you answer that question and walk you through resetting your air conditioner. And if resetting doesn’t work, the team at Lion Air Conditioning Cooling and Heating, LLC, provides excellent AC repair services in Hallandale Beach, FL.
First, Reset Your Air Conditioning Unit
In the best-case scenario, your air conditioner might have tripped the breaker because of a power surge. If that’s the case, all you need is 30 minutes to reset your system before getting back to your plans for the day.
- Ensure your air conditioning unit is in the “off” position.
- Find the tripped breaker on your electrical panel. Turn it on.
- Wait half an hour with the air conditioner off and the breaker on so that your air conditioner has time to reset itself.
- After 30 minutes, turn on your air conditioner.
As long as there are no further problems with your air conditioner, that’s it! However, if the breaker trips again, you may have a bigger problem on your hands.
Next, Check for a Dirty Air Filter and Change It
How do I stop my AC from tripping the breaker if the reset hasn’t worked? The next step is to look for another possible cause. Sometimes, it’s as straightforward as a clogged air filter.
A dirty air filter is one of the simplest things to fix. However, it is also one of the most neglected components of an air conditioning system. The filter helps your unit operate efficiently, so if it has an overload of debris, pollen, and dirt, your air conditioner will struggle and trip the breaker.
A Blower Motor Short Can Also Trip The Breaker
If the blower motor has too much dirt buildup or is several years old, it may frequently trip the circuit breaker. All parts of an air conditioner eventually show signs of wear, and an electrical problem within the blower motor could easily lead to a power failure.
Thankfully, annual maintenance can keep your air conditioner clean and working efficiently. The technician will notice any signs of damage and replace a faulty blower motor on the spot.
A Dirty Outside Unit Will Affect The Unit’s Performance
The air conditioner’s compressor sits outside, exposed to harsh weather, sun rays, and debris accumulating inside the unit and on the outer surfaces. However, a thick layer of dust will affect its function. And if the compressor is more than ten years old, it will become even less efficient as it approaches the end of its lifespan.
Has it been a while since you changed the filter in your air conditioner? Start there, and then clean the outside unit. It’s something you can do to improve your indoor air quality and help your unit run more efficiently.
However, continual problems will require service from a professional technician like Lion Air Conditioning Cooling and Heating, LLC, to avoid causing further damage or voiding a warranty. If they must recommend a replacement, they’ll also help you choose the most energy-efficient unit within your budget.
Circuit Breaker Issues Could Also Point to Damaged Evaporator Coils
Did you know that the evaporator coils move refrigerant to cool the air? They are made of copper, quite a delicate material. If it deteriorates, it will cause the unit to freeze, which can trip the circuit breaker.
Plus, running an air conditioner with frozen evaporator coils can cause the compressor to fail, which is an even more expensive problem.
Get Reliable Air Conditioning Service in Hallandale Beach
The best way to avoid issues and keep your existing cooling unit going for as long as possible is by scheduling annual maintenance. A well-maintained air conditioning unit will last, as the experts keep it clean, undamaged, and less likely to fail in the middle of a Florida heat wave.
How do I stop my AC from tripping the breaker? If the above issues aren’t enough or you suspect a bad AC capacitor, call Lion Air Conditioning Cooling and Heating, LLC, for solutions in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Call 754-238-0908 today!
