If your air conditioner or heat pump is repeatedly tripping your breaker, it’s because your unit is pulling in more electricity than it should. This can be caused by a range of issues, most of which will require professional diagnosis and repair.
Change Your Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common reasons an AC keeps tripping a breaker is a dirty air filter. When your filters are dirty, they restrict the airflow to the AC system, causing it to work harder than it should. This will lead to overheating, resulting in a tripped breaker. Regularly changing your air filter is an easy fix and can prevent many problems.
Eliminate Unit Wiring Problems
An AC or heat pump that trips your breaker may have wiring problems. Over time, it’s not uncommon for electrical wiring to become damaged or loose, leading to short circuits and other issues such as burning smells, inconsistent cooling, a malfunctioning thermostat, and humming noises. If you suspect wiring problems, it’s important to call a professional to assess the situation and make repairs.
Have the Outdoor Fan Inspected
The outdoor fan plays an important role in the operation of your AC system, and if it’s not functioning properly, it can cause the system to work harder than it should. This can lead to overheating and tripping the circuit breaker. If you suspect an issue with your outdoor fan, it’s important to have a professional inspect and repair it.
Have the Compressor Checked
The compressor is the heart of your AC system, and if it’s not working correctly, it can cause a range of problems, including tripping the circuit breaker. The compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant, which is then sent to the evaporator coil to cool the air. If the compressor is malfunctioning, it can cause the system to overwork and overheat, leading to a circuit breaker tripping.
Get the Condenser Coil Cleaned
A dirty AC coil can restrict airflow and cause the system to work harder than it should, leading to overheating and tripping the circuit breaker. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your condenser coil can prevent many problems.
Ensure Your Heat Pump Isn’t Being Overworked
When temperatures in Austin skyrocket, your heat pump will have to work harder than usual to cool your home. This can cause it to draw more electricity than it normally would, which can lead to tripping the circuit breaker.
Older heat pumps are more prone to tripping the circuit breaker than newer models because they are typically less efficient and require more electricity to operate. Additionally, older models may have wiring or electrical components that are worn or damaged, which can also contribute to the problem.
To prevent the heat pump from tripping the circuit breaker, it is important to ensure that it is properly sized for your home and that it is well-maintained. This means having it inspected and serviced regularly by a professional HVAC technician, cleaning the outdoor unit and changing the air filter regularly, and ensuring that the electrical components are in good condition.
Assess If There Are Short Circuits
Short circuits can occur when there is a direct connection between a hot wire and a neutral wire or ground. This can cause a surge of electricity, leading to a circuit breaker tripping. Short circuits can be caused by a range of issues, including damaged wiring, loose connections, or faulty components.
Short circuits can be a serious issue for an AC unit as they can cause the system to malfunction or even stop working altogether. If you suspect that your AC unit has a short circuit, it is important to have it inspected and repaired by an HVAC professional as soon as possible to avoid any further damage or safety hazards. A RedHome technician can identify the source of the problem and repair or replace any damaged wiring or components to ensure that the system is working safely and efficiently.
Have an Inspection for Refrigerant Leaks
A refrigerant leak in an AC unit or heat pump can be a serious issue that requires prompt attention. Refrigerant is a crucial component of your cooling system, absorbing heat from the air inside your home and transferring it to the outdoor unit. A refrigerant leak can occur for a range of reasons, including damage to the refrigerant lines or components. This can be caused by wear and tear over time, exposure to extreme temperatures, or damage from outside sources such as animals or weather. The leak can cause the system to become less efficient, leading to increased energy consumption, higher utility bills, and tripped breakers.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the system to stop working altogether. So it is important to have any suspected leaks inspected and repaired by a professional HVAC technician. The technician can identify the source of the leak, repair or replace any damaged components, and recharge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant to ensure that it is working safely and efficiently.