Pay attention to any trips in your HVAC circuit breaker.

These are signs that the system is having a problem, which can happen as a system ages.

The breaker is a safety device. It trips off when it detects an abnormal flow of power. There could be a short circuit, a ground fault or a circuit overload.

Simply flipping the switch back on is delaying and perhaps making the problem and the repair more time-consuming and expensive.

Calling an experienced HVAC technician for help is both smarter and less costly in the long run.

What’s wrong?

Some likely sources of the problem:

Short circuit

• If an abnormal amount of current is flowing, it can cause a “short” and your breaker will automatically stop the system to prevent fire and other problems. A short may happen when two wires touch, perhaps made possible by loose connections.

A burning smell or discoloration indicates a short.

Shut off the HVAC  system to prevent fires and minimize damage.

Ground fault

• This can happen when the wire’s insulation deteriorates due to age. Bad installation also is a possibility.

A ground fault can electrocute you or anyone in its path. It happens when the energized (black) wire touches the metal box or the ground (copper) wire. The “e word” – electrocute – should be enough to convince you to call a pro to fix this.

Overload

• You overload a circuit when you put too many appliances on one circuit. Problems multiply if one of those appliances gets too hot. The breaker will shut down the system.

You can solve the problem by using fewer appliances or less demanding appliances on the same circuit or by installing a new circuit.

Premier HVAC solves HVAC problems at homes and businesses throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Long Island.