Call an HVAC technician to help you find the cause
When your AC circuit breaker keeps tripping, calling a licensed HVAC pro is your best bet. Licensed and certified HVAC technicians are knowledgeable about the many interconnected components of your air conditioning system, and they can troubleshoot problems that could be causing a tripped breaker.
There are many reasons why your AC unit could cause a circuit breaker to trip, from a faulty AC compressor to loose wires to even just a bit of dirt on the coils. A local HVAC technician can quickly pinpoint the cause and fix it before your home heats up too much in the summer temps. Here’s why it’s best to go with an HVAC pro for this job:
HVAC technicians are trained to identify every part of a heating and cooling system and whether it’s functioning correctly.
They are experts in AC unit operation and maintenance.
They can conduct a thorough inspection of your entire AC unit.
They have the skills and equipment to test for refrigerant leaks.
They can find electrical shorts caused by exposed wires.
They can easily get the replacement parts for your specific air conditioning system.
They can make the necessary repairs to get you up and running sooner.
If the system isn’t fixable, they can help you buy a new system and install it.
If the AC circuit breaker trips just once, you can reset it and carry on. But an AC circuit breaker that trips repeatedly often indicates a serious concern. Plus, repeatedly resetting a circuit breaker can cause an arc flash—a sudden release of heat and light that can burn skin, melt metal, and cause a powerful blast of pressure.
While you could reset a breaker with the flip of a switch, it doesn’t solve the problem that caused the breaker to trip in the first place. Circuit breakers are designed to interrupt the flow of current when it’s overloaded or short-circuiting. Simply flipping the switch won’t address the root cause and could damage the unit or harm you if there’s a deeper mechanical or electrical problem at play. New air conditioning systems cost an average of $5,900 to replace, so you definitely want to address common HVAC problems right away.
However, there are some DIY tips you can try before hiring an HVAC technician to make a visit:
Keep up with maintenance: Make sure you keep up with regular maintenance on your HVAC system according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Clean the air filter: A dirty air filter can cause the AC unit’s motor to work too hard. Changing it for a fresh one could be all you need. Make sure you replace the filter every one to three months. (This is also a great HVAC allergy solution.)
Look for obvious malfunctions: Inspecting the system might give you an idea of whether there’s a leak or clog in the AC drain line, a broken component, or a fault in the wiring. But don’t worry if you don’t spot the problem: that’s what the pros are for.
However, most causes of a tripped AC circuit breaker will require an expert’s care, including:
Faulty compressor
Faulty capacitor
Refrigerant leak
Refrigerant pressure problem
Faulty wiring or other electrical problem
Amperage mismatch
An AC unit that keeps turning off is a good indicator that you need to call a pro.
While your first call should probably be to an HVAC technician, you may need to call an electrician if the problem is at the electrical panel. A licensed electrician will be able to identify if there are ground faults, exposed wires, or moisture affecting your electrical system. They can make sure the problem isn’t caused by the breaker itself, and they can replace the breaker if needed. Additionally, they can evaluate your electrical panel, make sure the electrical load is distributed correctly, and even upgrade your system if necessary.
However, keep in mind that electricians won’t be able to troubleshoot your HVAC system or know what to do when the evaporator coil freezes. You’ll still need an HVAC technician to fix the system itself.
When the HVAC technician arrives for the service call, there are several things they can do to prevent your system from tripping the circuit breaker:
They can check the air filter and replace it if necessary.
They will inspect and clean the outside unit’s condenser coils if dirt and debris are causing the problem.
They can determine whether a damaged coil fan or motor is pulling the wrong amount of power.
They can inspect all electrical connections and tighten them if they are loose.
If the compressor is the issue, the HVAC technician can install a “hard start” kit to ensure the AC unit starts up correctly. They can also replace the compressor if it’s damaged, shorted, or pulling too much energy at startup.
If there’s a problem with the compressor, the tech will also clean the refrigerant lines to ensure they’re clear.
Once the technician has identified the cause of the AC circuit breaker tripping and made the necessary repairs, you should be able to enjoy a cool, comfortable home again.
