Why is My AC Tripping the Breaker?

AC Tripping Breaker

If you are experiencing problems with your AC tripping the breaker this may be a cause for concern. While it is normal for the breaker to trip every once in a while, reoccurring problems are the sign of bigger problems. Such air conditioner problems are not to be dismissed and should be dealt with immediately. In most cases of the AC tripping the breaker, many homeowners will simply reset the circuit breaker. However, it is important to find out the exact cause for the tripping so that you can deal with the problem entirely. Read on to learn more about some of the reasons that could be causing your AC to trip the circuit breaker.

If you are experiencing HVAC related problems such as the AC tripping the breaker, you may have to call in the professionals. Galmiche & Sons is a reputable HVAC Company having been in the industry serving the St. Louis area for many years. Regardless of what heating & air conditioning problem you may be facing, you can be sure that we will take care of it. Give us a call today at 314-993-1110.

Possible Causes of Your AC Tripping the Breaker

Before going into the causes, it is important to understand what actually happens when the AC trips the breaker. When excessive current draw from a component goes through the circuit, it is usually more than the breaker can take. As a result, the AC trips the circuit breaker. Simply resetting the circuit breaker, therefore, does not help solve the problem, as it does not address what caused the trip in the first place. If this continues, it can result in huge HVAC damages that can be quite expensive to repair.

Common Causes for AC Tripping the Breaker

So, what are the causes of the AC tripping the breaker?

  • Outdoor Issues – The outside condenser, as well as the air vents located on the outside, are prone to obstruction by weeds, dirt, leaves, and grime. As a result, heat dissipation may be affected. This will result in extra stress on the equipment, eventually leading to excessive current draw causing the AC to trip the breaker. Outdoor issues are quite easy to deal with, as all you have to do is have a professional clean the outside unit regularly.
  • Insufficient Air Flow – Insufficient air flow may cause the air conditioner to run almost nonstop. Because of this, the compressor can overheat and draw excess current, which eventually leads to the AC tripping the breaker. In this case, check the air filter and clean or replace it if it is clogged. If the tripping occurs again, you may have to call in an HVAC professional.
  • Weak Start Capacitor – The capacitor helps the motor in the compressor start every time the system is powered on. However, with time, the capacitor weakens and causes the compressor to strain. This draws in excess current, which eventually causes the AC to trip the breaker. The start capacitor can easily be replaced by a professional to get rid of this problem.

Learn More About Why Your AC Trips the Breaker

When you have an issue with your AC tripping the breaker, there is so much more involved than simply resetting the breaker, as this is usually the sign of a larger problem with the unit. Therefore, if you experience issues, it is important to call in the professionals to help you deal with the root cause of the issue. At Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis, we have professional technicians who are specially trained to deal with this and other HVAC problems. Give us a call today at 314-993-1110 to have us take care of all your heating & air conditioning needs.

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