As the seasons change and you switch from heating to cooling, your AC may trip the circuit breaker when you turn it on for the first time. Once is normal, but too often may indicate a problem that requires assistance from an electrician or HVAC technician. In today’s post, HVAC air conditioner repair company Dittmer Air and Heat takes a look at some of the most common reasons why your air conditioner is tripping the circuit breaker.
Standard circuit breakers are designed for use on typical household fixtures and electronics, most of which have built-in components that protect them from power surges. Heating and cooling systems often require amperages several times that of the said fixtures and electronics. This is why they need to be connected to HACR (heating, air conditioning and refrigeration) breakers instead of standard household ones.
When HVAC compressors are turned on, they create a brief (but not dangerous) surge in amperage that can trigger standard home breakers every time, but not HACRs. The HACRs used on commercial air conditioners and restaurant refrigeration are typically rated up to 60 amperes. In comparison, standard home breakers are rated up to 20 amperes.
Air conditioners use a substance known as a refrigerant for its cooling process. Unlike fuel, refrigerant is not consumed by the AC. Cycling refrigerant through the system under different stages of pressure is what enables the air conditioner to take away heat from the indoor space and generate cool air. If there isn’t enough refrigerant in the system, it will need to work harder to meet your cooling needs. When it does, it increases the electrical load and, along with it, the risk of tripping the breaker. Apart from signs of a refrigerant leak, which may go unnoticed if the outdoor unit is at an inaccessible location, it’s best to have your AC inspected by an HVAC professional.
Like most equipment with mechanical components, air conditioners are vulnerable to wear and tear. This underlines the importance of annual maintenance. Left on their own, air conditioners would develop problems like loose wiring or worn-out motors that increase the strain on the system and eventually result in higher electrical loads that frequently trip breakers.
If your air conditioner is tripping your circuit breakers too often, don’t reset them; call an HVAC professional like Dittmer Air and Heat. To learn more about our services, including indoor air quality testing, give us a call at (321) 637-0170. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.