Window AC unit popping circuit breaker??

[Laredo]

I have a 4 yr old fairly large (10K BTU?) Frigidaire window AC unit that has started occasionally tripping my circuit breaker (20 amp). Started very gradual, about once a week, now about every other day. Tried a completely different circuit, same thing. It seems to be drawing more current than it used to, plug-in gets luke warm. Not hearing any extra or unusual noise from the compressor. Are these things servicable (economically) or throw away?

 

[James-W]

Depending on what is actually wrong, the unit may be fixable for a reasonable amount of money. Most times when an air-conditioner trips the breaker it is when the compressor kicks on. If you have a bad compressor that is not covered by the warranty, then it is best to buy a new air-conditioner.

 

[z28toz06]

make sure nothing else I on that breaker? if its tripping faster and faster heat/resistance is building quicker in the wiring causing current overload. it sounds to me like the heat is exacerbating the situation. could cause a fire if not remedied.

 

[Laredo]

make sure nothing else I on that breaker?

Nope, nothing else on the circuit. Checked warranty - expired. Ridiculous that a $500 air conditioner would only last 4 years.Thinking of getting 2 smaller units instead of 1 big one.

 

[deltaphisig]

could try replacing the breaker or swapping it with another in the box. they wear and pop easier with age/time.

 

[Rob_b]

Have you checked how much it is actually drawing on the line? It may be that breaker is getting a bit weak since its happened a number of times. I'd put a clamp on that breaker to determine the draw and make your decision from there on whether that window unit is finished.

 

[see pictures]

Capacitor?

 

[JakeKohl]

If you put it on another circuit, it's probably not the breaker. Heat is probably making things slightly more sensitive but something could be going wrong with the compressor. Your circuit could also just be undersized and the heat coupled with the age of the unit are conspiring against you. One other thing to consider is that these units draw more current on a short cycle start - if the compressor stopped and tries to restart with pressure still on the high side the compressor sees much more load at startup.

What is the circuit rated for and what does the unit require? Dedicated AC circuits can carry larger breakers for the wire size because they see only a brief peak load as the compressor starts up (as long as it is dedicated to the AC unit). Most units have this information on the label but I don't know about window units. For instance, I am able to put a 25Amp breaker on 12 gauge wire in front of each of my minisplits.

 

[brihvac]

Hose out the condenser

 

[crucible]

Yep-you need to confirm exactly how much current it's drawing-if you don't know that, you're just guessing. Warm plugs however are not particularly good-a bunch of current is flowing through it to make it that way.

Having recently started shopping for window a/c units for use by a smaller generator during outages, a newer 10K should be drawing somewhere in the 9-12A range. (The smaller units I've looked at 5-6.5k seem to typically draw 4-6A FWIW.) Older less efficient units most certainly will vary.

I'd also imagine any (internal) repairs needed beyond what you can do easily would be cost prohibitive considering the price of new units.

 

[Laredo]

Hose out the condenser

Good point, but...condenser is perfectly clean, was vacuumed every year.

 

[TOOL MASTER]

yup. clean it out good...my wife has a portable that only has one pop out filter but there was dust clogging everything else too.pretty stupid design

 

[Big-Foot]

Capacitor?

X2......

 

[Laredo]

Capacitor?

Please expand on this?? I know what a capacitor is/does, but in terms of this application

 

[Ohmthis]

The capacitor help get the electrical motors of the compressor and fan moving from a dead stop. It boosts voltage and acutally creates a phase shift to help pull or push the motor's rotor. This helps draw less amps starting and if the motor is a capacitor run type lower the amps while running. If the capacitor is weak it will cause higher starting and possibly running amps. Hope this helps. Like others have said we need to know name plate ratings for current and what it is actually drawing.

 

[brihvac]

Good point, but...condenser is perfectly clean, was vacuumed every year.

Not the evaporator(indoor), the condenser(outdoor) Your vacuum is not going to clean the condenser. Go to the rear of it, spray it down with Simple Green, and hose it out. A dirty condenser will raise the head pressure, increasing amp draw. Small thing to do to eliminate one possible cause.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

they wear and pop easier with age/time.

Kinda like a woman.....