Why Your AC Needs Its Own Circuit

Large Appliances Like Air Conditioners Need a Dedicated Circuit

Summer sun means one thing for many homeowners: air conditioning. While air conditioners can be a great way to cool down during the summer, they also require a lot of power.

To ensure that your AC doesn’t overload your circuit breaker, it’s important to install it on its own circuit. Here’s why you should install your AC on its own circuit breaker and how this can help keep your home safe and comfortable.

Air Conditioners Require a Lot of Power

When air conditioners are turned on, they use a lot of power. In fact, they often use more power than most other appliances in your home. That’s why it’s important to give them their own circuit breaker.

One safety concern to be aware of is the window air conditioner plug safety hazard. Plugging your window unit into an overloaded outlet or one that’s not designed to handle the high power demand can lead to electrical hazards, such as tripping the circuit breaker or even causing a fire. If your air conditioner is not on a dedicated circuit, it could end up tripping the breaker for the rest of your home, leaving other appliances without power.

It’s also important to make sure that your air conditioner is properly sized for your home. If it’s too big, it could overload the circuit breaker and cause problems.

Properly Sized Breaker Panels Keep You Safe

Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home’s electrical system by shutting down when an overload occurs. Your air conditioner needs its own circuit to avoid overloading the circuit and creating a safety hazard.

Adding More Than One Appliance to a Circuit Breaker Can Make It Trip

When an air conditioner is added to a circuit that already has other appliances running, it can cause the circuit breaker to trip, shutting down everything connected to it. This can be a safety hazard, especially if you have a home office or workshop in your garage.

A dedicated circuit for your air conditioner will ensure that it has plenty of power to run safely while keeping your home cool. If you’re not sure whether you have enough electrical capacity for an air conditioner, have a qualified electrician check your home’s wiring.

Your Dedicated HVAC & Electrical Team in Roanoke, VA

Installing your AC on its own circuit breaker is a simple way to ensure that it doesn’t overload your home’s electrical system and cause a power outage.

If you need an AC installation, replacement, or repair, our team at Ostrom Electrical Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help.

We offer comprehensive services for all your home electrical needs, call (540) 685-4040 to schedule service.