Why does my HVAC keep tripping the circuit breaker?

The most common reasons for HVAC circuit breakers tripping



Dirty air filter - A clogged air filter is the most common reason your HVAC system trips. When the filters are dirty, they restrict airflow, which causes the unit to work harder and can eventually lead to it overheating and tripping the breaker. You should check your filters monthly and replace them as needed.

Debris around your outdoor unit - If there is debris around your outdoor unit, it can cause your system to trip. Be sure to clear away any leaves, twigs, or other debris that may be blocking airflow. You should also make sure that nothing is blocking the vents on the unit.

Leaking Ductwork - Leaks in the ductwork can cause your HVAC unit to keep tripping the circuit breaker. If there are any leaks, this will cause cool air to escape, which will make the unit work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This could lead to the unit overheating and tripping the breaker. Be sure to have any leaks repaired by an HVAC repair professional in Phenix City. 

Incorrect thermostat settings - If your thermostat is not set to the right temperature, it can cause the unit to run for an extended period leading to tripping. Be sure to set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature.

Ice on The Unit - Another common problem that can cause your HVAC unit to keep tripping the circuit breaker is ice on the coils. This typically happens when there is a problem with the evaporator or condenser coil, which can be caused by various things, like a dirty filter or a refrigerant leak. If you see ice on your HVAC unit, you should turn it off immediately and call a professional for help. 

Faulty Capacitor - Capacitors, which are like small batteries, store electricity and help ensure that the correct amount of energy needed for an HVAC system will be met. Although these components are designed to last for years and can even outlast the life of the machine, they can become faulty if the roll-out switch fails or if it sees higher than normal temperatures, leading to irregular performance. Fortunately, HVAC repair technicians in Phenix City can often detect when capacitors are failing and promptly replace them to prevent further issues with the HVAC system.

Dirty sensors - Dirty sensors can cause your system to trip. Be sure to clean any dirt or dust off of the sensors on both the indoor and outdoor units of your HVAC system. 

Turning on a circuit breaker more than once when your HVAC trips can put a strain on the system and potentially even damage the compressor. Avoiding this will help you maintain a healthy and reliable HVAC system unfettered by any unnecessary problems that this kind of over-usage may cause. Your best option is to contact a professional service in Phenix City to inspect and diagnose the problem, as continuing to cycle the breaker without proper knowledge can actually create further issues in the long run.

In this blog post, we've explored some of the most common reasons why HVAC units trip their circuit breakers. If you're still having trouble pinpointing the root cause of your unit's issues, contact us today. Our team of experts will be able to help you troubleshoot the problem and get your AC up and running again in no time.