How Do I Stop My AC From Tripping the Breaker?
Sometimes AC units malfunction or become overworked and end up tripping a breaker. Dealing with frequently tripped breakers is incredibly frustrating and often causes Maricopa residents to ask themselves, “How do I stop my AC from tripping the breaker?” That’s why Felix Appliance, Heating, and Air put together a short guide to teach you how to stop your AC system from tripping a breaker.
Felix Appliance, Heating, and Air is one of Maricopa, AZ’s most trusted heating and cooling companies. Our team will rejuvenate your AC system so you can enjoy comfortable and cool air all summer long. If you need a skilled HVAC contractor in Maricopa, AZ, contact Felix Appliance, Heating, and Air.
Why Do Circuit Breakers Trip?
AC units cause circuit breaker trips when they use more amps than the breaker can handle. For example, if you have a 20-amp circuit breaker, but your AC unit uses 30 amps or more, the system will eventually trip the breaker. Although dealing with tripped breakers is very irksome, they actually stop overcurrents from damaging your electronics, fixtures, and other devices while preventing house fires.
However, allowing breakers to trip and constantly resetting them could lead to an electrical short and increase the chances of fires and property damage. That’s why you must resolve frequent breaker trips swiftly before they put your property at risk.
Three Ways Your AC Unit Trip Breakers and How To Stop It
So, are you wondering, “How do I stop my AC from tripping the breaker?”
AC units cause circuit breaker trips for various reasons. Everything from loose internal parts to broken mechanisms can cause a trip, making it difficult to identify the issue’s source. However, once you know what to look for, you can fix frequent tripping and take measures to prevent it in the future.
Below are some common reasons why AC units trip breakers and how to resolve the issue.
1. Dirty Air Filter
Dirty air filters restrict airflow within AC units, causing them to overheat. This is extremely common during summer since Arizona’s hot temperatures put additional strain on your system. Overheating air conditioners often trip circuit breakers to prevent system damage and preserve unit health.
Changing your air conditioner’s air filter regularly will improve airflow and prevent overheating as well as breaker trips. Simply replace the air filter once a month (depending on the unit) to keep your air conditioner optimal and pristine.
2. Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils help air conditioners pull heat from inside your home and transfer it outside, keeping your home comfortable during the dog days of summer. However, dirty condenser coils can’t function efficiently and cause the system to work harder than it should, leading to an electrical short that causes overheating. This will trip the breaker and leave your home very hot and unpleasant.
Frequently cleaning the condenser coils will improve your unit’s performance while diminishing breaker tips. Remove any dirt, plants, and debris from their structure and wipe them down to restore their efficiency and prevent trips.
3. Broken Coil Fan
Most AC systems feature a coil fan that releases heat from the inside unit while keeping the coils cool. However, they often experience damage over time that increases the air conditioner’s energy demands, potentially tripping a breaker. Excessive wear and tear can also cause the fan to burn out prematurely.
Broken coil fans often lead to the motor tripping the breaker since the motor isn’t getting enough energy from the circuit. Faulty or malfunctioning fans also can’t keep the AC unit cool, increasing the likelihood of overheating and tripped breakers. If your air conditioner has a broken coil fan, contact a professional technician to repair or replace the fan and restore your system’s performance.
Felix Appliance, Heating, and Air offers exceptional air conditioning repair services across the greater Maricopa, AZ, area and will fix your HVAC system at a price that fits your budget.
Contact Felix Appliance, Heating, and Air for Exceptional Air Conditioning Services in Maricopa, AZ
If your air conditioner keeps tripping your breaker and you ask yourself, “How do I stop my AC from tripping the breaker?” contact Felix Appliance, Heating, and Air. Our team will have your unit up and running again in no time while providing outstanding customer service along the way. From air conditioning repair to complete HVAC replacement, Felix Appliance, Heating, and Air is always here for you.
Give Felix Appliance, Heating, and Air a call at 480-406-7487 and see what our HVAC specialists can do for you in Maricopa, AZ, today!
