Whether you live in the city of Fresno, CA, or anywhere else in Southern California, you may experience a problem where your AC unit is tripping the breaker repeatedly. This problem is frustrating and could lead to more issues like damage to your AC system or cause a safety hazard. Fortunately, the experts at PDS Plumbing & Air have some helpful information about why this might happen, what you should do if it does, and when to call a professional for help.
Why Is Your AC Unit Tripping the Breaker?
There may be several reasons why your AC keeps tripping the breaker. The breaker is a safety mechanism designed to stop the flow of a specific circuit if it detects a fault or overload to prevent overheating, damaging appliances or the electrical system, or a possible electrical fire. When the AC breaker trips, it turns the system off, leading to a hot and uncomfortable indoor environment. Here are some of the most common causes of an AC unit repeatedly tripping the circuit breaker in your home.
Poor airflow
When your AC system has poor airflow, it may cause the unit to work harder and lead to it overheating, which will eventually trip the breaker. Some common causes of poor airflow include dirty or clogged ductwork or air filters, and blocked air vents. Dirty condenser coils can also impact airflow and heat exchange, leading to overheating and a tripped breaker.
Faulty electrical components
If the AC breaker keeps shutting off repeatedly, the circuit breaker could be to blame. Breakers wear out over time due to routine use or extreme temperature changes and need to be replaced. Faulty or loose electrical wiring, a short circuit, or ground fault can also cause a tripped breaker. No matter the cause, it’s important to have this problem inspected and fixed by an experienced HVAC technician as soon as possible to prevent a possible fire.
Low refrigerant levels
Most air conditioning systems require adequate refrigerant levels to cool your home effectively. Refrigerant absorbs the heat from inside your home and releases it outside. However, if there is a refrigerant leak or the levels are low, it puts stress and strain on the compressor. This can cause the AC to draw more electricity, which may cause the AC circuit breaker to trip repeatedly.
Frozen evaporator coil
The evaporator coil may freeze due to restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels. When this occurs, your AC system may draw too much power and eventually trip the breaker. One way to fix the issue is to turn off the AC and let the coil or coils thaw (you can use a hairdryer to speed things up). However, scheduling regular seasonal preventative maintenance is recommended to make sure that your evaporator coil doesn’t freeze when you least expect it.
Faulty components
Certain components, like the capacitor or fan motor, may cause your AC to consume excess power if they’re faulty or malfunctioning. This is another common cause of an AC circuit breaker tripping repeatedly. If you suspect that you may have a faulty or broken component, contact the experts at PDS Plumbing & Air right away to schedule an inspection and repair or replacement.
Is It Safe to Keep Resetting the Breaker?
If your AC unit trips the breaker instantly, it’s typically due to loose or faulty wiring, a malfunctioning compressor, or a bad capacitor. You may wonder if it’s safe to keep resetting the breaker every time it trips, and the answer is no. Here’s why resetting the breaker every time it trips is not recommended.
- Fire hazard: If your breaker is tripping due to a short circuit or overload, the wiring may overheat and ignite, causing a dangerous fire.
- Damage to your AC: When a breaker is overloaded or short-circuits, it could eventually damage the air conditioner if you keep resetting it. The compressor is the most likely AC component to fail, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.
- Breaker damage: Resetting your breaker every time it trips will eventually damage the internal components of the breaker, so it’s usually best to replace it altogether to prevent this from happening.
Quick DIY Checks Before Calling a Pro
There are some quick DIY checks you can try before you call a professional. Remember these tips if your AC breaker keeps tripping repeatedly.
- Reset the breaker: If the breaker only trips once, try to reset it by locating the AC breaker in your home’s electrical panel and flipping it off completely, then flipping it back to the “on” position.
- Check your air filter: Make sure your HVAC air filter is not dirty or clogged, and if it is, replace it with a new one to improve airflow and prevent overheating.
- Inspect vents: Confirm that your air vents are open and free of obstructions like furniture or area rugs, which reduce airflow and cause your AC to overheat and trip the breaker.
- Clear debris: Remove any excess dirt, leaves, and other debris from around your outdoor unit to encourage proper airflow.
- Inspect components: Verify that the condensate drain line is clean and free of clogs, the outdoor fan unit is in good condition and free of obstructions, and that the evaporator coil is clean and not freezing.
- Check your thermostat: Double-check to confirm that your thermostat is set to “cool,” the set temperature is below the current indoor temperature, and that the fan is set to “on” or “auto” as needed.
When to Call an HVAC Technician
If you try the tips we mentioned above and your AC circuit breaker is still tripping, you should call PDS right away. Here are some other situations that could indicate it’s time to call an experienced HVAC technician.
- If you’ve reset the breaker and it trips again, call a professional rather than continue to reset it every time it trips. Repeat trips indicate a serious issue and can lead to a house fire or permanent AC system damage.
- A constant hissing noise or visible water leaks may indicate you have a refrigerant leak, which is something only a professional HVAC technician can address.
- If your circuit breaker is making a buzzing noise, smoking, or making other unusual noises, contact an experienced professional immediately.
- If you suspect that the AC compressor, fan motor, or other important component is damaged or malfunctioning, call the team at PDS for an accurate diagnosis and repair.
Contact PDS Plumbing & Air Today
Don’t let a tripped AC circuit breaker ruin your summer. The skilled professionals at PDS Plumbing & Air are available to help you address this common problem. We’re proud to serve our customers throughout Southern California with over 30 years of HVAC industry experience. If you’d like to schedule an air conditioner inspection, diagnosis, and repair, contact us today!
