Dirty air conditioning parts, a damaged condenser fan, and loose or frayed wires could contribute to an A/C breaker tripping. If your air conditioner doesn't cycle properly on hot days and there are occasions when the A/C breaker trips, use the following tips to determine and resolve the issue.

A Breaker Issue

When a breaker trips, it can be a direct result of too much electricity attempting to move through electrical wiring. Wiring can become overheated. If the situation is left untreated and multiple attempts are made to turn an air conditioning unit back on, the wiring can begin to burn.

This could cause a fire in a home or permanent damage to a circuit box. At the first sign of a tripped breaker, an air conditioner should be turned off and the circuit breaker should remain flipped to the 'off' position. Continue to leave everything disconnected until you have assessed your air conditioning equipment and repaired what has been triggering the breaker to trip.

Dirty Parts

An air conditioner's filter and condenser coils support adequate airflow. If either of these parts becomes dirty, a blockage could occur that could prevent electricity from adequately running through the wiring that is connected to an air conditioner. A condenser unit that is located outdoors is more susceptible to becoming dirty than one that is located indoors.

Plants, twigs, and loose dirt particles could become stuck between coils. Replace your unit's filter, if necessary. Inspect the condenser. A foaming cleanser and a sponge brush can be used to clean dirty coils. Severe dirt buildup may require a professional assessment and repair. 

Damaged Or Loose Materials

If you noticed that the condenser fan wasn't running properly prior to the breaker tripping, a damaged fin or an electrical problem may be to blame. An HVAC contractor should always be consulted when dealing with an electrical issue. A fan may need to be cleaned or replaced. Some electrical wires may be frayed or may have loosened from the air conditioning unit. With either type of issue, the electrical flow will be impeded.

A full assessment of your air conditioning equipment will include inspecting the unit, the condenser, and the wiring that is within equipment and running to various air conditioning components. The least costly repair will be one that involves reconnecting wires and tightening connectors. A more expensive repair will involve replacing a fan and rewiring an entire unit. 

Contact a local HVAC contracting company to learn more.