A blown fuse on an air conditioning unit can be a huge inconvenience, especially if you live in an area with hot weather and high humidity like in our area. The good news is that if it happens, it is an easy repair. It is so easy, in fact, that even novice DIY’s should find it simple to do. Under perfect conditions, changing the fuse will fix the problem long-term.

But what if it keeps happening? You replace the fuse, all seems well, then it blows again. If the problem persists, it is time to start investigating some other causes. Here are a few possibilities.

Reasons Why an Air Conditioner May Keep Blowing Fuses

From our experience, these are the top reasons that an air conditioner may keep blowing fuses.

Grounded Compressor

One of the leading causes of an HVAC unit blowing fuses repeatedly is a grounded compressor. An experienced HVAC tech will usually use a multimeter with an amp clamp to measure the current being used by specific parts of the system.

If the compressor shows as grounded, it means that the windings inside the compressor motor have shorted out. When that happens, it is necessary to replace the motor. Certain contractors will try to sell you a new unit at this point, but a brand new unit is almost never a necessity.

High Amp Draw

High amp draw on an AC unit can have a number of causes including a worn out compressor, plugged up condenser or a bad capacitor. Some of these issues are more serious than others but all are easy to isolate by an experienced HVAC technician.

Loose or Exposed Wires

A loose wire or one that is partially exposed could be touching metal and causing a short. As this can be a risky thing to both troubleshoot and AC repair, it may be necessary to call in either a licensed HVAC technician or, in certain cases, an electrician.

If your tech doesn’t find a problem with the wiring or with any other part of the unit, the issue could be outside the unit. He or she should be able to determine whether or not you will need an electrician to investigate further.

Electrical System Issues

Another common cause for blown AC unit fuses is the temperature of the fuse block. If it registers too hot, that is very likely what is causing the fuses to blow. If everything seems normal with the HVAC unit, your tech will likely recommend that an electrician look for a problem between the unit and the house electrical system and the fuse block is the most common source of issues like these.

Should I Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?

If the unit is older and is not Energy Star rated, it might be worth considering an upgrade, but a newer unit can almost always be repaired. Before deciding to upgrade, it is necessary to know all your options. If you feel you are being pressured into making a purchase you might not need to make, get a second opinion from another HVAC contractor. It is important to be in the know of where the problem is originating and be fully informed of your options.

Is your home in the Naples area and you’d rather us take care of your and AC repair? No problem! Learn about our air conditioning repair service.

Call me at 239-597-7873 – Mike