News

Why Does My Air Conditioner Keep Tripping the Breaker?

BMManu KPublished on: Jul 10, 2025

If your air conditioner keeps tripping the breaker, something is not right. It’s not just a random glitch it’s your system trying to protect itself from damage. The good news? Catching the problem early can help you avoid major repairs or a full system replacement.

Let’s break down the most common causes of this frustrating issue, especially in the context of Ontario’s extreme summers.

What Does It Mean When Your Breaker Trips?

Your home circuit breaker is a safety mechanism. It cuts off electrical power when a circuit is overloaded, or a fault is detected — stopping overheating, electrical fires, or equipment damage.

If your AC is constantly tripping the breaker, it's either pulling too much electricity or running into an electrical fault.

1. Dirty Air Filter or Blocked Airflow

When airflow is restricted, your AC has to work harder to cool your home. That increases the system's energy use, which can overload the circuit and cause the breaker to trip.

Energy Star reports that simply replacing a dirty filter can reduce your AC’s energy use by up to 15%.

Ontario’s seasonal pollen and wildfire smoke can clog filters faster than you think.

Fix it: Check and replace your filter monthly, especially during peak summer months.

2. Low Refrigerant (Usually a Leak)

Refrigerant helps your AC absorb heat. When levels are low, the compressor works harder and longer to cool your home — stressing the circuit and potentially overheating the unit.

According to Natural Resources Canada, older units with low refrigerant efficiency can consume up to 30% more power.

Leaks are common in systems 7+ years old or in homes that see major seasonal temperature swings.

Fix it: You’ll need a certified technician to inspect for leaks, recharge refrigerant, or possibly replace the line set.

3. Faulty Capacitor or Contactor

Capacitors help start your compressor and fan motors. A failing capacitor struggles to deliver the right jolt of power causing motors to draw more electricity than they should, which trips the breaker.

Warning signs: Clicking sounds, system struggling to start, or frequent breaker trips during startup.

Fix it: These are relatively inexpensive parts to replace but must be diagnosed properly.

4. Dirty Condenser Coil (Outdoor Unit)

In Ontario, spring debris, cottonwood fluff, or even backyard landscaping can clog your outdoor coil. That makes heat exchange inefficient, causing your compressor to overwork and spike power draw.

Fix it: Hose down your outdoor coil gently (power off first) or schedule a professional coil cleaning.

5. Compressor Failure or “Hard Starting”

This is a bigger issue. If your AC is older (10+ years), the compressor might be deteriorating. A struggling compressor pulls more amperage than the circuit can handle leading to repeated breaker trips.

Fix it: A technician can test amp draw and potentially install a hard-start kit or advise if it’s time for a system upgrade.

6. Undersized Circuit Breaker or Loose Wiring

Sometimes it’s not your AC, but the breaker panel itself. An older or incorrectly sized breaker might trip even if your system is functioning correctly. Loose wires, corroded terminals, or improper grounding can also be culprits.

Fix it: This is an electrical safety issue. A licensed electrician or HVAC tech should inspect it immediately.

Why This Happens More in Ontario Homes?

Ontario summers are no joke especially in urban areas like Toronto, Mississauga, and Hamilton. HVAC systems often run 8+ hours a day during peak heatwaves, putting extra strain on electrical components.

And if your home was built before 2000? You may have an older panel not designed for today’s energy demand especially if you’ve added modern appliances, EV chargers, or smart systems.

When to Call Go Lime

At Go Lime, we don’t just show up with guesses — we come with diagnostics, transparent pricing, and real solutions.

Whether it’s:

A clogged filter,
A refrigerant leak,
Or a deeper electrical issue…

We’ll troubleshoot your system thoroughly and explain what’s going on in plain terms — no jargon, no contracts, just honest advice and exciting seasonal offers.