Why Does Your Central Air Conditioning Unit Keep Blowing Its Fuses?
Central air conditioning systems use fuses to protect the condenser or outdoor unit from current overflows. If more electricity flows through the circuit than the fuses are designed for, the fuses heat up and burn out, cutting the power supply to the air conditioner. Fuses are small, inexpensive devices that are easy to replace. However, merely replacing them without addressing the underlying problem can expose your central AC to extensive damage. Therefore, watch out for these four issues that may cause your central air conditioner to keep blowing its fuses.
Clogged Air Filters
Dirty or clogged air filters restrict airflow to the home, causing the indoor spaces to cool down at a slower rate. The air conditioner has to work harder and cycle for a longer period to cool the home to the preset thermostat temperature. This causes the condenser to overheat and blow its fuses. Check and clean your air filters to prevent the fuses from burning out frequently.
Dirty Condenser Coils
The outdoor unit uses condenser coils to dissipate the heat absorbed by the refrigerant. Dirt around the condenser coils creates an insulation layer that prevents the coils from releasing heat outdoors. Once the outdoor unit is unable to dissipate the heat from the refrigerant, it overheats, causing the fuses to blow. Regularly clean the condenser coils and outdoor unit to allow proper heat dissipation to the outdoors.
Faulty Capacitor
The central air conditioner has a capacitor in the condenser unit. The role of the capacitor is to regulate the current flowing through the AC unit. A faulty capacitor cannot control power flow to the unit. Instead, it causes blown fuses due to electrical faults. Capacitor faults usually occur because of an electrical overload, overheating, or worn or damaged parts. You can tell your AC has a bad capacitor if the compressor has difficulties starting or the unit starts and stops unexpectedly.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant flows between the indoor and outdoor coils to absorb heat and release it outdoors. If the system is losing refrigerant due to a broken line or damaged condenser or evaporator coils, there will be inefficient cooling. The system will work harder to remove all the heat from the indoor air. As a result, the compressor will overheat, causing the fuses to blow. If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, check it for refrigerant leaks. Replace the damaged coils and recharge the system to restore efficient cooling.
Air conditioner fuses that keep burning out signal a serious issue within the system. Troubleshoot your condenser and repair existing faults to prevent further damage to the system.
Contact an air conditioning technician for professional AC repair services.
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