What to Do If Your AC Keeps Tripping the Circuit Breaker

Constantly having to reset the circuit breaker in your Burbank, CA home is guaranteed to prove frustrating. This is especially true if your air conditioner is what’s causing the breaker to trip. Although you can temporarily resolve the problem with a quick flip of the breaker switch, the issue will continue until its underlying cause is identified and addressed. Read on to find out what you can do to restore normal AC functionality and whether or not you need an AC repair service to solve it.

Start by Inspecting Your HVAC Air Filter

If your air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it’s often a sign of overheating. This safety feature prevents damage, electrical hazards, and potential fires. Surprisingly, one of the most common causes of overheating is a dirty air filter.

When filters become clogged with dust and debris, airflow is restricted, forcing your AC to work harder and overheat. Regular filter maintenance helps prevent this.

Most homes should replace air filters every 30 to 90 days, but households with pets, high dust levels, or frequent AC use may need changes every 3 to 4 weeks. Checking filters during routine maintenance can keep your system running safely and efficiently.

Check Your HVAC Air Vents, Grilles, and Registers Too

If your air filter and vents are clean but your AC is still struggling, the problem may be an airflow obstruction at the outdoor condenser unit. Ensure at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit and remove overgrown shrubs, weeds, or debris.

Check your condenser during monthly filter inspections to maintain proper airflow, prevent overheating, and keep your AC running efficiently.

Airflow Obstructions Can Also Exist at the Outdoor Condenser Unit

If your AC air filter and air vents are clean, there may be an airflow obstruction at your air conditioner’s condenser unit. This outdoor unit should always have a minimum of 2 feet of clearance at each side. Overgrown shrubs, weeds, and trees can prevent the release of warm air from the condenser as hot refrigerant cycles through this unit to cool down. You can check your condenser for obstructions during your monthly filter inspections so that blockages and overheating never occur.

The AC Evaporator Coil Has Frozen Over

Regular air filter changes and outdoor condenser cleaning are important, but an annual AC tune-up is essential for keeping your system’s internal components clean. Dirt and debris on the evaporator coil reduce heat transfer, which can cause the coil to freeze and the AC to overheat.

If your evaporator coil is iced over, turn off the system until it fully thaws. Replace the air filter and address airflow issues before restarting. Repeated overheating or breaker trips signals the need for professional AC maintenance. Technicians will clean the evaporator and condenser coils and inspect for issues that could compromise efficiency and safety.

Refrigerant Loss Is Causing Your Air Conditioner to Draw Too Much Power

Older air conditioners are prone to refrigerant leaks due to worn lines or corroded coils. Low refrigerant levels force your AC to work harder, increasing energy usage and potentially causing frequent breaker trips. A telltale sign of a leak is tiny “champagne bubbles” forming on the evaporator coil.

Ignoring a refrigerant leak can lead to compressor failure, which is costly and often requires full system replacement. If you suspect a leak, turn off your AC and call a licensed HVAC technician to inspect and repair your system promptly.

Loose Wires and Electrical Malfunction

When circuit breakers trip, there’s always the possibility of electrical wiring issues or electrical malfunction. If you’ve ruled out a dirty air filter and other common airflow obstructions, it’s best to leave your air conditioner off. There could be a short in your air conditioner’s electrical wiring or you may have a bad AC capacitor. Only a professional can safely and accurately diagnose the problem and resolve it.

The Fan Motor Is Dirty

The fan motor in your AC draws more power when the air filter is clogged. This extra activity is frequently the cause of overheating. However, there may be maintenance issues at the fan motor itself that aren’t related to your air filter at all. The fan motor is one of several components that homeowners cannot easily clean and maintain on their own. Moreover, if you want to preserve the protections that are provided by the manufacturer’s warranty or your home warranty, you really shouldn’t tamper with this unit at all.

If your air conditioner’s fan motor is coated in grease, dirt, or other grime, it may have a hard time rotating its blades. There are even times when greasy accumulations cause fan motor blades to stick. If this is the case, the only solution is to schedule a much-needed tune-up.

The AC Compressor Has Failed

Insufficient refrigerant isn’t the only thing that can cause AC compressor failure. This component could stop working altogether even when refrigerant levels are optimal. Any unchecked issue that subjects your compressor to consistently high levels of stress will eventually lead to its demise. This is one of the best reasons to turn a malfunctioning air conditioner off and keep it that way until the underlying problem is resolved.

Power Surges and Tripped Circuit Breakers

If your air conditioner is impeccably well-maintained, the problem might lie outside of your home. If there was a recent power outage in your area, the breaker for your AC may have tripped to prevent equipment damage when power was restored.

Residents of Burbank, California, can count on us for superior heating and cooling service. We offer furnace, heat pump, and air conditioner installation, maintenance, and repairs. We also provide indoor air quality solutions and utility rebate appraisals. To schedule service, contact Air Max HVAC today!