It’s never fun when your HVAC appliance fails. A broken AC unit can lead to sweaty days sitting in front of backup fans. When a furnace doesn’t work, damage can worsen, leading to freezing nights and frozen pipes.

Often you can trace a faulty HVAC system’s symptoms back to the electric box. If your system trips the breaker, you want a solution quickly. Here are steps to take and HVAC components worth checking.

Turn it Off
The first step is to turn your system off at the thermostat. This will prevent the device from calling your system to turn on while you’re resetting everything.

Flip the breaker into the on position in your breaker box. Give your system about 30 minutes to reset. Turn it back on to see if the problem improves.

Check the Filter
Start by checking your AC unit’s filter. If this is clogged, it can overwork the system. This leads to overheating, which trips the breaker.

Along with the filter, check the condition of your outside unit. If you haven’t conducted general maintenance, your unit may be blocked with dirt, dust, and debris. Clean it off (especially the condenser coils, which need to release heat) and tend to general maintenance.

Inspect the Furnace
If your furnace is the problem, start with the air filter again. Ensure it’s relatively unclogged and allows air to pass through.

Next, inspect the vents around the home to determine if they’re blocked or clogged. The goal is to keep pathways clear and avoid overworking the unit.

If these attempts don’t fix your furnace or AC unit, it’s time to search for more serious issues.

Attempt to Isolate More Significant HVAC Problems
If a system trips your breaker and basic maintenance and adjustments don’t do the trick, it may be something more nuanced. HVAC systems consist of many parts, each of which can fail. Isolate the problem by looking for these potential issues:

  • A wire that is loose or has a short in it.
  • A coolant leak.
  • A failing compressor, blow motor, or another major part.
  • Old age.

Don’t forget to consider the circuit breaker. You may have an overloaded circuit or a bad breaker.

While diagnosing the issue, staying safe is essential because you’re working with electricity even if the unit isn’t on. In these cases, you want to hire a professional Paraco technician. They can confirm your suspicions and have the knowledge, training, and tools to provide a safe and effective solution.

Maintain the HVAC System
Whether you repair or replace an HVAC system, taking the proper steps is essential if the unit trips the breaker. Leaving electrical hazards unaddressed in your home is never a good idea.

Start with basic tasks, like resetting your breakers, checking filters, and conducting basic maintenance. If this doesn’t solve the problem, call a local HVAC service you can trust to get your system up and running as soon as possible.

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