Why Does My AC Keep Tripping the Breaker? Common Causes & Solutions

When your air conditioner stops suddenly and the breaker has flipped — again — it’s not just annoying. It’s your system telling you something’s wrong. If your AC breaker keeps tripping, there are a few likely causes. Getting to the root of the issue is essential for protecting your comfort and your home’s electrical system. Service First Air Conditioning and Heating helps homeowners across San Antonio troubleshoot and repair persistent AC issues safely.

Let’s explore the most common reasons behind this frustrating issue and how to fix it.

Understanding The AC Breaker

Your air conditioner is one of the hardest-working systems in your home — especially when San Antonio heat reaches its peak. To keep things safe, your home’s air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping whenever the electrical current exceeds what the circuit can handle.

It’s a built-in safety mechanism. But repeated trips aren’t normal — and they could mean a dangerous electrical issue is developing. If you notice additional problems, like strange noises from your air conditioner or the AC continues to blow warm air, it’s best to have our team inspect the system to determine if breaker trips are the cause.

Common Causes When Your AC Breaker Keeps Tripping

Several components can cause your breaker to trip. Service First AC is here to explain these causes in depth.

Dirty Air Filter

A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and overheat. When that happens, your AC draws more power — sometimes enough to flip the breaker. This problem is one of the easiest and most affordable issues to fix.

What to do: Replace the air filter and monitor if the problem continues.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

Airflow restrictions or low refrigerant levels can cause your coils to freeze. When the system tries to run with frozen coils, it struggles to function, overloading the circuit.

What to do: Turn off your air conditioner to let it thaw. Then, schedule air conditioner services with our team to inspect the root cause.

Loose Or Faulty Wiring

Wiring issues can cause short circuits, leading to frequent tripping. Wiring problems can result from old system age, poor installation or general wear and tear — especially in older homes common in Alamo Heights or Hollywood Park.

What to do: Call a professional AC technician from our team right away. Electrical repairs should never be a DIY repair job due to hazards from improper handling.

Compressor Problems

The compressor is the heart of your cooling system. When it’s damaged or failing, it can draw too much power at startup — a phenomenon known as hard starting — which can repeatedly trip your breaker.

What to do: A compressor replacement may be required. A technician from our team can confirm the best path forward.

A Weak Breaker

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your AC at all. If the breaker itself is faulty or undersized, it may trip under normal conditions.

What to do: A licensed electrical professional can evaluate the breaker and recommend replacement if needed.

Should You Keep Resetting The Breaker?

It’s tempting to keep flipping the breaker back on — especially on a hot day. However, repeatedly resetting it without identifying the cause can lead to equipment damage or contribute to fire hazards. If your breaker keeps tripping, it’s time to call in an electrician for assistance.

The San Antonio Factor: Extra Load On Your AC

San Antonio’s climate adds extra pressure to your cooling system. Prolonged heat waves, dusty air and older homes with aging wiring all increase the likelihood of issues like tripped breakers. Service First Air Conditioning and Heating understands these local challenges and provides tailored solutions for homes across the area — from Boerne to Shavano Park.

Trust Service First AC To Restore Your Comfort

If your air conditioner circuit breaker keeps tripping, don’t ignore it — and don’t keep flipping the switch without understanding why. Service First Air Conditioning and Heating brings over 20 years of experience serving San Antonio homeowners with fast, friendly and expert HVAC repairs.

Whether your system needs a tune-up, a new part or a general evaluation, our team is here 24/7 to help. Contact us today to schedule a diagnostic and get your cooling system running at peak performance.