Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping Breaker
AC keeps tripping the circuit breaker? Learn what causes this common problem and whether it's safe to keep resetting.
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Safety Warning
Never repeatedly reset a tripping breaker. This can cause electrical fires. A hot breaker is a serious warning sign.
Understanding the Problem
When your air conditioner trips the circuit breaker, it's drawing more electrical current than the circuit can safely handle. This is a protective mechanism to prevent electrical fires and equipment damage. While you can reset the breaker once, if it trips repeatedly, there's an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Continuing to reset a tripping breaker without fixing the cause is dangerous.
Common Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- AC shuts off and breaker is tripped
- Breaker trips immediately when AC starts
- Breaker trips after AC has been running a while
- Breaker feels hot to the touch
- Lights dim when AC starts
Possible Causes
This problem can be caused by several factors, listed from most to least likely:
Dirty air filter causing strain
Replace the air filter. Allow system to cool before restarting.
Dirty condenser coils
Clean outdoor unit coils with a garden hose.
Failing compressor
Professional diagnosis. May require compressor or system replacement.
Hard starting compressor
A hard start kit can help. Professional installation required.
Electrical issues
Professional electrical inspection and repair.
Bad capacitor
Professional capacitor replacement.
Undersized breaker
Electrician to evaluate and upgrade circuit if needed.
Refrigerant issues
Professional refrigerant check and correction.
DIY Troubleshooting Steps
Before calling a professional, try these safe troubleshooting steps:
- 1
Replace the air filter
- 2
Clean the outdoor condenser unit
- 3
Let the system sit for 30 minutes before resetting breaker
- 4
Check for obvious damage to wires or components
- 5
Only reset the breaker once—if it trips again, stop
When to Call a Professional
Contact a licensed HVAC technician if:
- Breaker trips more than once
- Breaker is hot to the touch
- You smell burning or see damage
- System is over 10 years old
- Simple troubleshooting doesn't help
Prevention Tips
Help prevent this issue in the future with these maintenance tips:
- Change filters regularly
- Keep outdoor unit clean
- Schedule annual maintenance
- Have electrical connections checked yearly
- Consider upgrading an aging system
Estimated Repair Cost
* Actual costs may vary based on the specific cause, parts needed, and system type. We provide upfront pricing before any work begins.
Need Help With This Issue?
Our expert technicians can diagnose and fix this problem quickly.
Call (650) 540-7205Book Service OnlineQuick Facts
- Category:ac
- Urgency:Urgent
- DIY Fixes:2 of 8 causes
- Est. Cost:$0 (filter) to $150-$300 (capacitor) to $300-$500 (hard start) to $1,500+ (compressor/system)
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