AC Keep Tripping its Breaker? Here’s What to Do

A tripped breaker that results in your air conditioner ceasing to work can be startling. The sound of the system shutting off is abrupt, and a quick check of your thermostat may indicate that the desired temperature hasn’t been reached. You can check your circuit panel to verify that the breaker is off, and if this is the case, you may want to do some diagnostics before turning it back on. A breaker that continues to trip may signal some serious air conditioning problems.

Issues to Check when the AC Stops Running

The electrical box is one of the first issues to check when equipment stops running, and in the case of your air conditioner, it is important to recognize the reason for a tripped breaker. This typically indicates that your air conditioning equipment is overheating, resulting in its drawing more current than normal. The tripping of the breaker is a protective measure engineered into the equipment to protect your home and your appliances.

One of the simplest issues to consider is the condition of your air filter. This is one of the easiest areas to maintain but one of the most neglected in a home’s HVAC system. Excessive dirt can restrict the airflow, resulting in the overworking and overheating of your equipment. If you notice that your filter is very dirty, a change may solve the problem easily and affordably.

When you change the filter, take a look at the evaporator coils as well. Ice may indicate a system problem such as low refrigerant or dirty coils. This may also result in your system ceasing to work. Dirty condenser coils in your outside unit could also lead to the overworking and overheating of your system. A malfunctioning condenser fan can also result in overheating because of the failure to dissipate the heat released from the coils. Each of these air conditioning problems requires the assistance of an HVAC professional.

Excessive AC Operation

If you notice that your air conditioner is operating more than usual, you may want to have your refrigerant lines checked, especially if the air coming from your vents isn’t as cold as it should be. You may also experience such problems during extreme temperature conditions. If these issues are detected after your breaker has tripped, prompt action is wise to ensure that appropriate comfort levels are restored in your home. The Brettco Heating and Air Conditioning crew is available to troubleshoot AC problems in your Lumberton TX home. Call us for an appointment.