Top 5 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping the Breaker

The Arizona summer sun is a force to be reckoned with. When the heat intensifies, so does our reliance on our air conditioners. But what happens when your AC sputters out, leaving you facing a stifling hot home and a tripped circuit breaker?  Here’s a breakdown of the top five reasons why your AC breaker trips during Arizona’s scorching summers, and who you can contact to get cool air flowing again.

1. Low Refrigerant Level

Imagine your AC as a tireless machine, and refrigerant as its fuel. This magical coolant absorbs heat from your home and releases it outside. However, if there’s a leak in the system, or the refrigerant level is low, it’s like running on fumes. It works harder, consuming more power, and potentially tripping your home’s breaker to prevent damage.

2. Clogged Air Filter

Think of your air filter as a security guard for your AC. It traps dust, pollen, and other unwanted guests, keeping your indoor air fresh. But a clogged filter is like a guard sleeping on the job. The AC struggles to pull in clean air, forcing it to work overtime. This extra strain can overload your circuit and trip the breaker.

3. Overheating Condenser Coil

Arizona’s relentless sunshine can be brutal, not just for you, but for your AC unit as well. The condenser coil, which looks like a radiator outside your home, can become clogged with dust, leaves, and debris. This impairs its ability to release heat, causing the unit to overheat. As a safety measure, the breaker trips to prevent damage to your AC.

4. Electrical Components Failing

Just like any appliance, your AC has electrical components that can wear down over time. A failing capacitor, which provides a quick burst of power to the compressor, or loose wiring can cause power surges or shorts. These electrical gremlins trip the breaker to prevent damage to the unit and potential fire hazards.

5. Circuit Breaker Overload

While it’s tempting to blast the AC while running other power-hungry appliances, especially during peak usage times, this can overload the circuit. The breaker trips to prevent overheating and potential damage.

Call Bruce’s Experts

Understanding the reasons behind a tripped breaker is essential for achieving a comfortable AC cooled home. Contact your local expert professionals at Bruce’s today at 480-968-5652. We’ll diagnose any issues and fix them promptly so that you can keep your cool this summer. Bruce’s knows cool!