In Palmdale and Lancaster, when it hits 105°F, everyone's AC is running at max capacity. Sometimes, the electrical load is just too much, and your circuit breaker does exactly what it's designed to do: it trips to prevent a fire.
Before you pay for an emergency service call, you should check your breaker panel. Resetting it is easy, but you must do it correctly.
⚠️ SAFETY WARNING
If you reset the breaker and it trips again IMMEDIATELY, DO NOT reset it a second time. This means you have a direct short (electrical failure). Resetting it repeatedly can cause a fire or destroy your compressor. Call us immediately.
Step-by-Step Reset Guide
Step 1: Turn off the Thermostat
Before touching the breaker, go to your thermostat and switch it to "OFF". This prevents the AC from trying to start up the millisecond you flip the power back on, which can damage the motor.
Step 2: Find the Breaker
Locate your main electrical panel (usually on the side of the house or in the garage). Open the door and look for a switch labeled "AC", "Air Cond", or "HVAC". It will likely be a double-pole breaker (two switches tied together).
Step 3: Check for the "Tripped" Position
A tripped breaker isn't always in the "OFF" position. It usually gets stuck in the middle (neutral) position. It will feel springy or loose compared to the other switches.
Step 4: The Push-Click Method
To reset it, you must first push the switch firmlu to the "OFF" position until you hear a click. Then, push it back to the "ON" position.
Step 5: The 30-Minute Wait
This is the secret pro tip: Wait 30 minutes before turning the thermostat back on. This allows the internal refrigerant pressures to equalize and gives the motor time to cool down. If you try to start it immediately, it might just trip again.
Breaker Keeps Tripping?
A breaker that keeps tripping is a cry for help. It means your AC is pulling too much power.
Schedule a Diagnostic