Did Your AC Trip the Circuit Breaker? Questions to Ask

Never assume your AC can’t draw power because of a tripped circuit breaker. If the air conditioner stops working but every other electrical device and appliance stays on, a tripped circuit breaker is the simplest explanation. But that doesn't mean you've found the culprit.

Open the circuit breaker main box and look for a tripped breaker switch. Ideally, you'll label each switch. But if you didn't clearly mark which ones go to the AC system, you'll need to investigate any flipped switches. If none of the circuit breakers tripped, you know another problem is at fault.

There are multiple possible issues for AC failure — none of which are DIY jobs to repair. Contact a qualified HVAC technician to evaluate the problem, diagnose the failure, and repair your air conditioner. Along with non-circuit breaker problems, some issues that cause the breaker to trip also require immediate professional attention.

This is a simple issue that can cause what seems like a major problem. Luckily, a clogged air filter is typically not an issue that requires professional help. Before you start to stress over potentially pricey repairs, check the filter for dust, dirt, and debris.

A clogged air filter forces your home's HVAC system to work harder. The harder the air conditioner works to push cool air through, the more energy it uses. This can cause it to draw more power than it would otherwise need or overheat.

Provided that the AC system is still off and not drawing power, remove the air filter. If the system currently has power, turn it off before you explore the air filter issue.

Replace or clean a dirty air filter before you attempt to turn the system on. If after you clean or replace the filter, the air conditioner turns on and has no more problems, you're in luck. But if the circuit trips shortly after you clean or replace the filter, you need an HVAC technician to find and fix the root problem.

An electrical short in the air conditioning system can overload the circuit and cause the breaker to trip. If you suspect a short, do not investigate the issue yourself. Electrical shorts always require professional help. Unless you have extensive experience and expertise in electrical repair, leave this job to the professionals.

Don't flip the breaker switch on over and over again. While this may provide temporary relief, it can cause serious problems. Beyond damage to your system, this poses a serious safety risk if an electrical fire starts, for example.

An electrical storm can cause a power surge that fries your AC system. In the case of an electrical storm-related issue, it's likely other home appliances or devices will also stop working. But sometimes the storm may only affect your air conditioner.

If there's a current lightning storm or the storm recently ended, call an HVAC technician and explain the problem. The expert can investigate whether the weather is at fault or your AC system has an issue.

Did your AC system shut down after a breaker tripped? Contact Weather Control Air Conditioning, Inc. for more information. We can help you with all your AC questions and needs.