Having experienced the frustration of a malfunctioning air conditioner during a sweltering summer, I know how crucial it is to address issues like a reset button that keeps tripping. As someone who has dealt with this problem firsthand, I can provide practical solutions that resolve the issue and help prevent future occurrences.
How Do I Stop My AC from Tripping the Breaker?
Here are several possible reasons why your AC reset button keeps tripping:
- The air filter is dirty
Through years of hands-on experience, I’ve found that a dirty air filter significantly hampers the blower function. This forces the blower to work harder, which not only increases your energy consumption but also causes the breaker to trip frequently.
Simply changing the air filter can mitigate this issue. I’ve recommended this quick fix to countless homeowners, and it always produces positive results.
- The exterior unit is dirty
An air conditioning system has an interior and exterior unit. The interior unit draws the heat in the air through a refrigerant component, which then flows to the exterior unit so the heat can be dispersed.
This process won’t go well if the external unit is dirty because it will work harder and draw more current, causing the breaker to trip out.
You need to call a technician to help clean the AC exterior unit properly to solve this issue. This isn’t something all AC owners can do because it requires the proper cleaning chemicals and equipment. Using the wrong tool and material may result in more problems than solutions.
- The circuit breaker is in a problem
If you’re currently dealing with an AC tripping problem, it’s essential to understand that it may not be the AC that causes the issue but the breaker. The connecting breaker to the wire can be loose, or something might be wrong.
A breaker problem is usually inexpensive, but you must contact a professional tech to connect the wires or replace the equipment.
- The motor experiences a “short” issue
Air conditioning motors sometimes run for hours. When they operate for far too long, damaged wire insulation may cause power “short” conditions. A “short” condition occurs when the electrical power bypasses the regular path.
Electricity takes a shortcut, causing more power flow than the wire can handle. This causes problems, including overheated and melted wires that can start a fire and trip the circuit breaker.
To fix this issue, you must call a repairman to discover the source of the electrical short.
- The compressor struggles to start
The compressor, often referred to as the heart of the air conditioning system, is a component I’ve frequently seen struggle with due to wear and tear. When a compressor struggles to start, it draws excessive power, causing the breaker to trip.
In my experience, installing a ‘hard start kit’ is a practical solution. This kit gives the compressor the necessary power surge to kickstart its operation. However, in some cases, a complete compressor replacement may be unavoidable.
This situation requires you to contact an AC technician, who would set up a capacitor called a ‘hard start kit’. This equipment gives a higher power jolt to make the compressor motor move. Note that the compressor may need replacement.
- The compressor is burnt out
Another possible reason for the AC compressor tripping problem is a burnt-out compressor. This is a condition where the engine winding or compressor’s discharge area experiences high temperatures. The winding insulation will break down, causing an open winding or grounded compressor.
Read also: How to Reset HiSense Air Conditioner
You must reach for an AC technician because this problem requires compressor replacement.
Having been in the HVAC field for years, I often get asked how to reset an air conditioning unit properly. The process is simple yet crucial in resolving minor glitches that may cause the unit to trip. Here’s a quick guide based on my experience:
- Turn off the air conditioning system from the thermostat and the breaker.
- Wait for about 30 minutes to let the internal system reset.
- Turn the system back on by restoring power from the breaker and thermostat.
This method often resolves minor issues and gets your AC running smoothly again.
Most issues that cause your air conditioner reset button to keep tripping can be prevented by regular maintenance. Even though you need to invest in energy, time, and money for maintenance, it can help save you from stress during the lifespan of your AC system.
| Problem | Symptom | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty Air Filter | Weak airflow, increased electricity bill | Replace the air filter |
| Dirty Exterior Unit | AC running continuously, tripped breaker | Schedule professional cleaning |
| Circuit Breaker Issue | Repeated tripping without apparent AC issues | Contact a professional to inspect and replace the breaker |
| Motor Short Issue | Burning smell, breaker trips | Hire a technician to diagnose and repair wiring issues |
| Struggling Compressor | Loud noises, frequent tripping | Install a hard start kit or replace the compressor if needed |
| Burnt-Out Compressor | No cooling, circuit breaker trips | Replace the compressor |
| AC Reset Needed | AC not turning on after a trip | Follow the reset procedure: turn off, wait 30 minutes, and restart |
