AC PROBLEM · DIAGNOSIS GUIDE
A tripped breaker is a safety mechanism — your electrical system is telling you something is drawing too much current. Here's what's causing it.
Repeatedly resetting a tripped breaker risks damaging the breaker, the wiring, or the AC components — and in worst cases creates a fire hazard. Leave the breaker off and call us.
If your AC trips the breaker more than once, stop resetting it. Repeatedly resetting a tripped breaker risks damaging the breaker itself, the wiring, or the AC components — and in worst cases creates a fire hazard.
Leave the breaker off and call us. The diagnostic fee is waived when you book the repair.
When the outdoor coil is caked with debris, the system works harder and draws more current. Cleaning the coil can resolve trip issues without further repair.
The start capacitor wears out over time. When it does, the compressor draws an inrush of current at startup, tripping the breaker. Capacitor replacement runs $150-$355.
An internal electrical short in the compressor will trip the breaker reliably. This is bad news — compressor replacement or full system replacement is the answer.
Sometimes the issue is electrical, not in the AC at all. We check this on every breaker-trip call.
Both extremes make the compressor work harder. We measure refrigerant levels on every call to rule this in or out.
Capacitor or contactor work: $150-$455. Coil cleaning: $150-$300. Wiring repair: $200-$600. Compressor replacement: $1,200-$2,000+. If you're looking at compressor work on a 10+ year old system, ask for a replacement quote too — we provide both numbers so you can compare.
“Two other companies wanted to replace my whole system. Constant Air found a bad capacitor in twenty minutes, replaced it for $200, and the breaker has held for two years now.”
David K. · Newton, NJ
Same-day appointments in Sussex and Morris counties. 24/7 emergency dispatch — answered around the clock by a real on-call technician.
98 Morris Turnpike, Newton NJ · NJ HVACR Lic #19HC00108700 · Since 1999
At Constant Air, we specialize in delivering high-quality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services that keep your home and business comfortable all year round.
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