If your HVAC system keeps tripping the breaker or shutting off unexpectedly, it might not have the necessary dedicated circuit. An HVAC breaker handles the high electrical load of a heating and cooling system, but if your unit shares a circuit with other appliances, it could cause frequent power interruptions and safety hazards.

If you suspect electrical issues with your system, let Minuteman Heating & Air provide expert HVAC services in Burleson, TX, to ensure it has the power it needs to heat and cool your home safely.

What Is a Circuit Breaker, and Why Is It Important?

A circuit panel is a piece of electrical safety equipment that distributes power from your utility company to the appliances and outlets throughout your home.

When you open the front panel, you’ll see a series of breakers, each controlling its own circuit. Inside every breaker is a switch that connects or disconnects power to the circuit when the electrical load exceeds a safe level.  

Because your system has unique electrical requirements, it needs a dedicated circuit to operate safely and efficiently.

Here’s a common example: If your HVAC system shares electricity with lights and a microwave, turning it on could cause the lights to flicker or trip the breaker. This happens when the circuit overloads and tries to supply too much electricity at once. A dedicated circuit can prevent this by giving high-powered appliances a direct electricity source.

HVAC Systems Use a Lot of Power

Your HVAC system is one of the most power-hungry appliances in your home. Just think about how much your energy bill spikes during those brutal Burleson, TX, summers.

A single room in your house typically uses about 15 amps of power. That includes everything plugged into the outlets, like TVs, gaming consoles, lamps, and other small appliances.

Now, compare that to your power-hungry HVAC system. Depending on its size, a typical unit can draw anywhere from 15 to 40 amps, which is a massive amount for one appliance.

Why HVAC Systems Need a Separate Circuit Breaker

Your HVAC system uses so much power that it can disrupt the smaller appliances or rooms it shares a circuit with. Sure, you might be willing to put up with flickering lights in the kitchen when the heat kicks on and even frequent breaker trips, but these annoyances can go from bad to worse.

When you allow the switches in your panel to trip frequently, they can wear out and stop providing accurate amperage readings. This increases the chances of short circuits and electrical fires if the breaker fails to trip when it should. Instead of protecting your home from an overload, a worn-out electrical panel may allow too much current to flow and overheat the wiring behind your walls.

Sharing a circuit with other appliances can lead to system overload. When your system has a dedicated HVAC breaker, you won’t have to worry about frequent trips. It relies on a stable power source without straining your electrical panel or competing with other appliances for electricity.

Installing a Separate Circuit Breaker for Your Burleson, TX, HVAC System

A dedicated circuit gives your system the power it needs without taking electricity away from other appliances.

Breaker troubleshooting and installation are best left to professionals. Electrical panels are complex and handle high voltage and amperage, which can cause serious injury or even death if handled incorrectly. The licensed electricians at Minuteman Heating & Air have the expertise to install a dedicated circuit safely and ensure your system meets safety standards.