Sometimes, HVAC units cause circuit breakers to trip. There could be several reasons contributing to the issue but can be a bit tricky to find the solution. However, there is no need to panic. If you observe that your HVAC and circuit breaker are displaying some unusual signs, take a look at some important reasons below to troubleshoot the problem or call in an AC repair service to fix the issue.

Dirty Air Filter

Even though air filters are amongst the most important components of an HVAC unit, most people still ignore their cries for help. Air filters act as the lungs of the unit. They are designed to remove contaminants from the air before it reaches the interior of the house.

With that said, the air filters are bound to get dirty and clogged after a certain period of time, which means that they will either need to be cleaned or replaced. Depending on your location, the air filters might need regular cleaning or replacement every year.

In addition to that, ignoring a dirty air filter will cause the blower to work harder which will utilize more electricity and might end up tripping the breaker.

Dirty Outside Unit

Your HVAC system comes with air ducts and an outdoor unit that is connected to the ducts. While the inside unit is designed to absorb heat from the air using refrigerant, the outside unit disperses the heat. However, since the outside unit is exposed to the outdoors, it bears the brunt of extreme weather conditions, dirt, dust, etc.

Similar to the air filters getting clogged, the outside unit may accumulate dust, dirt, and debris if it is ignored for a long time. As a result, the outside unit cannot disperse heat properly. Then again, the unit will draw more power, which can lead to circuit breaker tripping.

Issues With The Circuit Breaker

In some cases, the issue might not be with the HVAC unit but the circuit breaker. If you own a relatively older property, it might be that the wires have gone loose or the circuit breaker itself has gone bad and needs replacement. Do not worry, replacing the circuit breaker does not cost millions. You should consult a specialist who can help determine the root cause of the problem.

Malfunctioning Motors

Even though malfunctioning motors are a rare case if you have a new HVAC unit, there is a huge probability if the unit happens to be older. Since electric motors run continuously for hours, they are prone to malfunctioning. If the AC fan motors run for a long time, their wire insulation can get damaged and it results in an electrical “short”.

This short causes more electricity to pass through the wires, causing them to overheat, melt, and catch fire. Ultimately, the circuit breaker trips as the wires catch fire. You should look for an expert to fix this issue.

Malfunctioning Compressor

A compressor is like the heart of your HVAC unit. It utilizes a lot of electricity as it starts up. Unfortunately, HVAC compressors have a lifespan attached to them. After a while, they will begin developing problems. As a result, the compressor starts to utilize even more electricity, causing the circuit breaker to flip.

To solve the issue, you can have an electrician install a “hard start kit” that will give a jolt to the compressor to keep it moving. Furthermore, it also might be that the compressor is grounded. A grounded compressor means that the electrical winding inside the compressor has broken or hit the side of the compressor.

The only solution to this problem is that the compressor will need to be replaced. This is an expensive replacement that usually takes place with older HVAC units.

How Can I Prevent My Circuit Breaker From Tripping?

To prevent your circuit breaker from tripping, you simply need to perform regular inspections and maintenance of your HVAC unit. Anything that might cause trouble in the future will be identified beforehand, preventing expensive repairs and replacements.

Final Word

Concluding, troubleshooting a tripping circuit breaker requires going deep into the possible fixes. Sometimes, the problem might be in another component instead of what you suspect. Therefore, follow the tips mentioned above or hire an expert from air conditioning companies Vienna to fix the problem.