Your air conditioner is the only appliance in the house that is supposed to keep you and your family cozy and comfortable. The last thing you would want is the unit turning off out of nowhere only to find out that it has blown the fuse. There could be several reasons causing the issue, but you need to be aware of the troubleshooting tips as well so you can try them out before calling in HVAC repair services. We will go through them in detail and help you prevent such situations from taking place in the future.
Dirty Air Filter
No matter how much it is stressed but still, the majority of homeowners tend to ignore the importance of air filters. Air filters as the term suggests help filter the air before it is circulated inside the house. It does so by trapping dirt, dust, and contaminants.
Air filters have evolved to the point where they have become so precise, allowing them to block micro-toxicants. Since air has to pass through the filters before being circulated in the house, it is normal for air filters to become dirty.
However, if you ignore them, the air filters soon get clogged, which burdens the air conditioning unit. At the same time, air filters are not able to filter the air anymore and toxic air is circulated inside the house. This could lead to serious chronic respiratory issues among kids and elders.
Therefore, to make sure the situation does not repeat itself in the future, you need to personally inspect and clean the filters at least once a month. The maintenance frequency will also depend on the location of the unit and how frequently it is used.
If the outdoor unit happens to be located near trees or plants, there is a chance the unit will get dirty relatively quickly and will need maintenance accordingly. Plus, if the air conditioner is sitting dormant in the winter season, make sure to clean it before you turn it on again for the summer.
The AC Is Low On Refrigerant
Another noteworthy factor that might cause your air conditioning unit to trip the circuit breaker or blow a fuse is low refrigerant. Air conditioning units require refrigerants to condense the air for cooling. For this to happen, the air conditioning units need to have a specific amount of refrigerant in the coils.
The refrigerant can leak due to cracks, rust, or corrosion. If the air conditioner happens to be old, it might be that minor holes or cracks are causing the refrigerant to leak. On the other hand, if you have a new unit, it might be that it was not installed properly after being serviced or installation which led to a refrigerant leak.
In that case, you may be able to claim the warranty. However, if the HVAC unit is old, you will have to pay for the refrigerant. As a general rule of thumb, if the air conditioner is too old, it will likely continue causing problems.
So, instead of spending money on expensive repairs and replacements, you should opt for a new unit.
The Capacitor Isn’t Working As It Should
The capacitor is yet another minor component that plays a crucial role in the normal running of the air conditioner. The capacitor is designed to control the electricity flow. If it happens to malfunction, the air conditioner will simply turn off.
There are usually two capacitors in an HVAC unit: start capacitor and run capacitor. However, if any of them fail, problems will arise.
One thing you need to keep in mind is that modern air conditioners are loaded with safety features. This means they are programmed to shut down if they sense something wrong such as electrical fluctuation. These safety features help protect the unit from damage.
So, if you observe that your air conditioner is turning off all of a sudden after running for a while, it means the capacitor is bad and is shutting down the unit when it heats up. To fix the issue, you must consult an expert. Fortunately, the capacitor is not an expensive component and will need replacement.
Damaged Electrical Wiring
Damaged electrical wiring is another common issue, especially among old air conditioners. It could also be the home’s breaker or fuse box. With time, the wires connecting to the air conditioning unit and the circuit breaker might get damaged or have rust or cracks.
Temperature fluctuations can also cause this issue specifically in regions where humidity and moisture are prominent. Unfortunately, you can’t do much in this situation but to replace the air conditioning wiring. Then again, you must get the services of an HVAC expert or an electrician to get the wires replaced because it can be dangerous to be done by yourself.
How To Prevent AC Issues From Taking Place?
Perhaps the best way to avoid air conditioning issues is by taking care of it. This includes inspecting and maintaining the unit regularly. The frequency of inspection and maintenance depends on how frequently the air conditioner is used. Generally, inspections and maintenance should be performed at least once a month.
However, if the air conditioner is used throughout the year, you will need to perform inspection and maintenance more than once. Plus, you should also invest in professional care whether you have a ducted HVAC system or a ductless air conditioner Ronkonkoma. The reason we call it investment is due to the fact that it helps the unit run smoothly for years to come.
Many people think that maintenance by experts only means cleaning. But apart from cleaning, the expert identifies potential problems and fixes them. This prevents the air conditioning unit from expensive damage if something goes wrong.
How To Find An HVAC Expert?
When it comes to professional maintenance, you should always hire an expert. Experts are slightly more expensive as they carry certifications, insurance, and a license allowing them to carry out air conditioning-related tasks. Considering the fact that you will be faced with numerous options while hunting for the right person, the process is bound to become overwhelming.
That said, you should ask your social circle to provide you with referrals. Plus, you can also personally visit your local market and ask around for an AC technician. Make sure you have multiple options in hand and only pick an expert having cross-compared the prices.
Can I Fix A Blown Fuse Myself?
Although, fixing a blown fuse is not rocket science but can be dangerous. The reason is that fuses are electrical components and can store an electric charge. You might be at risk of getting electrocuted while accessing or removing the fuse.
This could damage other components as well such as the compressor. This is why you should always entrust an expert to perform such tasks. The service might cost you but will ensure the unit is safe and does not run into further problems.
Conclusion
Your air conditioner blowing up the fuse indicates a serious problem. Such problems should not be ignored and be fixed immediately. If you find yourself in a similar situation, make sure to follow the tips mentioned above. And, always hire an AC repair service Smithtown to deal with such issues instead of trying to fix them on your own.