Why Does My AC System Keep Tripping the Breaker?

When your air conditioner in Woodbridge, VA, draws excessive current, it may trip a breaker. A circuit breaker protects your appliances from damage by cutting the flow of electricity. Let’s discuss why your AC system keeps tripping the breaker.

Clogged Air Filter

A filter catches contaminants in the air as they flow through the AC system. These contaminants may include dust, debris, pet fur and dander.

By trapping these pollutants, the filter allows your family to enjoy clean indoor air. The filter also prevents the impurities from contaminating your AC system’s components.

Unfortunately, the impurities clog the filter over time, creating airflow problems. Since the AC system doesn’t get enough air, it’ll overwork trying to draw sufficient air. The harder your AC system works, the more current it draws, which can trip the breaker.

Dirty Outdoor Unit

Dirt, leaves, debris and other contaminants can clog the outdoor unit, hindering heat transfer. Consequently, your AC system works too hard and draws excessive current to dispose of the heat. Schedule AC maintenance services to have the outdoor component cleaned regularly.

Electrical Issues

Rodents may enter your AC system and damage the coating of its electrical wires, resulting in frayed wiring. Frayed wiring can cause a short circuit.

A short circuit can cause a fire breakout. Your circuit breaker trips to prevent a fire.

Never attempt to fix your AC system’s wiring as you could suffer harm. Instead, leave this task to a trained service technician.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant helps to move heat from your indoor air to the outdoor environment. When there’s low refrigerant, your AC system works longer to move as much heat as possible and trips the breaker.

Instead of resetting a circuit breaker every time it trips, seek a long-term solution. Call the AC service experts at Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning to have your system inspected and repaired.

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