Why Your Central AC Keeps Tripping the Breaker

A central air conditioner is an essential system in maintaining the comfort of your home, especially during hot summer months. However, when your AC unit keeps tripping the breaker, it can be frustrating and concerning. If your breaker trips occasionally, it may not be a significant issue, but if it happens frequently, it's crucial to address the underlying cause. In this blog, we’ll explore the common reasons why your central AC might be tripping the breaker and what steps you can take to fix it.

The circuit breaker in your home is designed to protect your electrical system from overloading. It serves as a safety device that shuts off power when there’s too much electrical current flowing through the wires. When your AC pulls more amps than the breaker can handle, the breaker trips, preventing potential fires or damage to your system.

If your central air conditioner is consistently causing the breaker to trip, it may be because of several issues. Here are some of the most common causes:

One of the simplest yet often overlooked reasons your AC trips the breaker is due to dirty air filters. When air filters are clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, the airflow through the system is restricted. This causes the AC to work harder to cool your home, leading to higher energy consumption and, ultimately, the tripping of the breaker.

How to fix it: Regularly check and clean or replace your air filters. It’s recommended to replace them every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage and indoor air quality.

If your AC is low on refrigerant, it must run longer and harder to achieve the desired temperature, increasing the electrical load. Low refrigerant can also cause the evaporator coils to freeze, which leads to compressor failure, and this increased demand can trip the breaker.

How to fix it: Have Home Alliance's licensed technician inspect your AC for refrigerant leaks. If leaks are found, they should be repaired, and the refrigerant recharged to the correct levels. To ensure your system operates efficiently and prevent future issues, regular HVAC services can keep your AC running smoothly year-round.

The compressor is the heart of your air conditioning system, responsible for circulating refrigerant through the coils. If the compressor is malfunctioning or overworked, it can draw too much electricity, causing the breaker to trip. Common compressor problems include overheating, motor failure, or the compressor becoming shorted.

How to fix it: If the compressor is the issue, it may need to be replaced. This is a costly repair, so it’s important to have a technician from Home Alliance diagnose the problem to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary.

Short circuits in your AC system can occur due to faulty wiring, damaged components, or loose connections. When a short circuit happens, it causes a surge of electricity to flow through the system, which quickly overloads the breaker and forces it to trip.

How to fix it: Electrical problems should always be handled by Home Alliance's qualified electrician. They will be able to inspect the wiring and components of your AC system and repair any shorts or faulty connections.

The fan motor is another critical component of your central AC system. If the fan motor is failing or obstructed, it may pull excess electricity, leading to breaker trips. Problems such as worn bearings, a blocked fan blade, or a malfunctioning capacitor can cause the fan motor to overheat and overwork.

How to fix it: A professional technician can assess whether the fan motor needs lubrication, repair, or replacement. Ensuring proper airflow around the outdoor unit can also help prevent fan motor issues.

Condenser coils play an essential role in releasing heat from the refrigerant to the outside air. When these coils become dirty or blocked by debris, they cannot effectively transfer heat, causing the system to overheat and strain. This increased strain can cause the breaker to trip as the system draws more power to cool the home.

How to fix it: Condenser coils should be cleaned at least once a year, preferably before the summer season starts. This ensures that they remain efficient and reduce the risk of breaker trips.

In some cases, the problem may lie in the mismatch between the AC unit and the circuit breaker. If your air conditioning unit is too large or powerful for the breaker installed, the system will trip frequently because the breaker cannot handle the electrical load required by the AC.

How to fix it: Consult Home Alliance’s HVAC technician to determine if your AC unit is properly sized for your electrical system. If not, they may suggest upgrading the breaker or installing a different AC unit that matches the breaker’s capacity.

Frozen evaporator coils are another common issue that leads to breaker trips. Low refrigerant levels, dirty air filters, or restricted airflow can cause the evaporator coils to freeze. This puts additional stress on the AC, causing it to consume more electricity and ultimately trip the breaker.

How to fix it: If you notice your evaporator coils are frozen, turn off the AC and allow the coils to thaw. Make sure the air filters are clean and schedule a professional inspection to address refrigerant levels and other potential causes.

A grounded compressor occurs when electrical wiring inside the compressor shorts to the ground. This can be caused by insulation failure, overheating, or general wear and tear. When a compressor becomes grounded, it causes a large spike in electrical current, tripping the breaker almost immediately.

How to fix it: Unfortunately, a grounded compressor usually requires complete compressor replacement. It’s best to call an HVAC professional from Home Alliance to discuss repair options and whether a full system replacement is necessary.

Capacitors store electrical energy and help start the compressor and fan motors. A failing capacitor can cause the AC unit to struggle when starting, resulting in excessive power draw. Similarly, the contactor, which controls the flow of electricity to the compressor and fan motor, can wear out or malfunction, leading to breaker trips.

How to fix it: A licensed HVAC technician can easily replace faulty capacitors or a bad contactor, restoring proper electrical flow to your AC system.

To avoid frequent AC breaker trips, it’s essential to schedule regular maintenance for your central AC system. Regular checkups can help detect minor issues before they turn into major problems, ensuring your system runs efficiently and safely. Additionally, addressing common maintenance tasks like cleaning or replacing air filters, maintaining refrigerant levels, and keeping condenser coils clear of debris will help your AC function optimally. By staying proactive with maintenance, you’ll also be avoiding common causes of why your central AC unit leaks water, which can prevent added stress on the system and further reduce the risk of breaker trips.

Dealing with a central AC that keeps tripping the breaker can be a hassle, but understanding the root causes and taking preventive measures can make all the difference. Regular maintenance, including filter replacements, refrigerant checks, and professional inspections, will keep your AC running smoothly and reduce the chances of an overload. Don’t wait for a small issue to become a big problem – contact us today for a qualified technician for reliable support. With proactive care, you can enjoy uninterrupted cooling and a longer-lasting AC system.

Hot weather increases the demand on your AC system, causing it to work harder, which may overload the breaker. This often happens when components like filters or condenser coils are dirty, restricting airflow.

Yes, clogged air filters restrict airflow, making the AC unit overheat and draw more power, which can lead to breaker trips. Regularly replacing or cleaning filters reduces strain on the system.

Preventive maintenance, like cleaning air filters, checking refrigerant levels, and scheduling annual inspections, can help your AC run efficiently. These steps reduce the risk of overload and unexpected breakdowns.

Repeatedly resetting a breaker can be dangerous and may cause further damage to your AC or electrical system. If the breaker trips often, it’s best to have an HVAC professional assess the issue.

If the breaker trips repeatedly or you notice unusual sounds or poor cooling, it’s wise to call a technician. Professional inspection can address underlying issues and prevent long-term damage to your AC system.