A/C Problem

[TexasBob]

Came home to a tripped breaker for the outside unit. Reset it, ran fine for almost an hour trying to cool the house back down then it tripped again. What could it be? Stumped since it started up fine


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[sideways]

It could be the fan going out. Gets hot then trips breaker


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[Antlers86]

To prevent fire first don't reset the breaker anymore. Breaker could be bad and equipment is pulling more amperage than it can provide. I would swap breakers out and see if you still have the problem.

Replace breaker
Check air filter
Clean the outside unit

If that doesn't fix it then I would call a technician.

[Antlers86]

It could be the fan going out. Gets hot then trips breaker


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Could be this. Something is overheating and pulling more amperage most likely.

[stickerpatch59]

get pro help.

could be a bad breaker (weak) but I wouldn't gamble on it.

[roughneck266]

Most likely going to be the fan. Ifnyoubgo watch when it starts up, it will likely sound pretty bad when it first kicks on. Could also be the compressor. Let's hope it's the fan or a capacitor though.
Good luck

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[thegrouse]

Do you have an amp clamp meter? Many reasons it can trip but it is hard to tell without a meter. Fan, compressor, wiring or breaker are some of the more common reasons.

[TexasBob]

Thanks guys. Talked to a buddy that does Hvac. Sounds like the compressor which means new system for me.


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[muzzlebrake]

Check the start/run capacitor. A weak capacitor can cause the compressor to pull more amperage and slow down and well as the condenser fan and sometimes fail to even start. If your electric bill has been increasing more than normal is an indication of a weak capacitor. Pulling more amps will cause the compressor and fan to heat up an kick off in internal overload protection or if the breaker is weak it will trip the breaker. You can use a multi meter to check the capacitor but even though it may have a decent OHM reading it may still be weak. Not that expensive to replace and if it is several years old it's probably time anyway. Your best bet is to have it checked out by a professional. Meanwhile clean/wash off the outside condenser coil and replace indoor air filter.

[double bogey]

Could be:
capacitor
fan motor
compressor
contactor
breaker
dirty condenser coil
bad connection/burned wire
several other things


That being said, don't condemn it on the phone, there can be a lot of reasons for a tripped breaker that don't mean a system changeout. Get a pro to check it out.

[CEO]

Thanks guys. Talked to a buddy that does Hvac. Sounds like the compressor which means new system for me.


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I was going to respond with this. Had the same thing happen to us last year. I thought it would be something minor but definitely wasn't.

[TexasBob]

Thanks guys. He’s coming out today but compressor didn’t sound right and unit is 14 years old. Was hoping to get another year or two out of it but c’est la vie


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