What in the heck is wrong with my A/C?

What in the heck is wrong with A/C???


I have central heat and air. I have a double-pole 30 amp breaker that trips occasionally outside by the unit. I have had compressor issues in the past. I assume the compressor is drawing to many amps at start up and the breaker trips. The kicker is, I can go outside, reset the breaker and everything starts up fine. My neighbor says there is a "hard start" kit that is available that will kick start the compressor on. My compressor did quit running a few months ago, but I think it was just the brushes on the motor getting stuck. This unit is about 6 years old and were installed on evey house in our neighborhood. Over the past 6 years, a compressor has gone out on somebody living around us. If my compressor is going bad, why does it kick on fine after the breakers are reset?





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6 hours ago


Thanks for the tip, but I forgot to mention that I did that. I ohm'ed out the resistance on both the new breakers and the old. Both measurements were the same. Unless the new breakers were bad too...

What in the heck is wrong with my A/C?
U MITE HAVE A SMILL BRAKER FOR IT. SO U MITE WHONT TO CHANG IT INTO A 50 OR A 60AMP. SO THEN U DONT HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE EVER TIME IT BLOWS.
Reply:i would contact your local elec company sounds like voltage problems , or take the amps at startup you could have a weak capacitor
Reply:Check the max allowable breaker size (written on the Name plate of outdoor unit) If the high voltage wire from the breaker to the A/C is undersized it will increase the draw on the breaker,Call an electrician tell him the breaker size, minimum circuit ampacity( on name plate) and the gauge of the wire feeding the a/c(12/2 or 10/2) , and ask him if it's sufficient for your system.


The A/C may be short cycling(restarting just after shutting down).The A/C should sit for a few minutes to allow the pressures in the system to equalize. If that's the case you may need to increase the temperature range on the thermostat or replace with new or even relocate the one you have away from sources of heat or outside doors where it can be influenced by drafts.


If none of these answers seem to apply then call the closest wholesaler that carries that brand and ask who they recommend to service that equipment.
Reply:The first thing you need to do is check and see if your thermostat has a built-in delay. Programmable thermostats usually have a delay feature. The delay feature prevents the compressor from restarting too soon under excessive pressure. Restarting under excessive pressure can cause fuses to blow or breakers to trip.





The next thing to check is to look for loose connections. Snug up on all connection points. Loose connections can cause excessive current draw and may trip the breaker.





A hard start kit is the logical next step. Good luck to you.
Reply:the reason it works when you reset the brkr is the compressor has cooled down.you need to check your starting amps.and compare it to your locked rotor amps listed on your unit as Lra if all of your neighbors are loosing their systems in 6yrs its indication that yours is next.if possible do not use same company who installed those equipment.your problem at your compressor not your breaker.
Reply:Very well could be the compresser or a bad capacitor. DO NOT start changing breakers around or adding larger ones your just going to create a disaster. Putting a larger breaker in would mean have to install larger wire. If you put a larger breaker with underrated wire your going to have a fire on your hands. Not mention if the unit draws to much over-current it wont get the correct protection it needs. My best answer would be leave it to an HVAC Pro this isn't a DIY type of job.
Reply:Second time you asked this question. If I were you, I'd call a service tech!!!!!!