No one wants to deal with an air conditioner that doesn't provide enough cool air to keep your home comfortable. A malfunctioning AC unit could trip your circuit breaker. If this happens continuously, it's best to contact an HVAC contractor for repairs. However, it's important to familiarize yourself with this issue so that you can avoid it in the future. Review this guide to learn more.

What Is the Purpose of Your Circuit Breaker?

A circuit breaker is part of your home's electrical system. Electricians attach it to the electrical panel or breaker box and connect each breaker to a circuit. 

The breaker monitors the electrical circuits and immediately shuts them off if an overload occurs. This action is called tripping a breaker. It usually happens if an appliance drawing electricity from the electrical panel is malfunctioning or pulling too much power from a single circuit. 

What Steps Should You Take if the AC Trips the Breaker?

If your air conditioner trips the circuit breaker, you might not need to call an HVAC contractor immediately. Sometimes, one-time power surges, like a nearby lightning strike, can cause the breaker to trip. 

Turn the air conditioner off using the thermostat if the circuit breaker trips. Then, open the electrical panel. Look for the AC circuit and switch the breaker to the active position. Wait for about 30 minutes to allow the circuit to reset before turning the cooling system back on. 

An air conditioner can sometimes trip the breaker several times, indicating an issue with the cooling system itself. You could try changing out the air filter to see if the situation improves. A dirty filter reduces airflow through the system, forcing the AC unit to pull more power to work harder. If that doesn't work, contact an HVAC contractor for assistance.

Why Would Your Air Conditioner Trip the Circuit Breaker?

Your air conditioner could trip the circuit breaker due to various issues besides a clogged filter. For instance, the condenser coil could be dirty. The air conditioner could also have a fan motor malfunction or compressor failure. Sometimes, a refrigerant leak can be the culprit. These problems can force the air conditioner to overwork and consume excessive energy. 

When you need an HVAC contractor to address a faulty AC unit, turn to Dave's Cooling Heating & Plumbing in Virginia. For almost 40 years, these professionals have provided fast and reliable services to residents throughout Staunton, Waynesboro, and the surrounding communities in Augusta County. Their highly trained technicians stay up-to-date on the industry's latest techniques, technologies, and codes. Call (540) 942-4357 or visit them online today to request an estimate.