Air conditioners are essential for staying cool in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. So, it can be very frustrating when electrical issues arise and cause your aircon to quit working properly. For example, if your AC unit starts blowing a fuse. It is concerning as blown AC fuses may indicate an issue with the aircon, which can lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
Check out the 6 most common reasons why air conditioners keep blowing fuses and what you can do about them!
6 Reasons for Air Conditioner Blowing Fuses
Reason #1 Too Much Voltage
Check your electric sockets. A blown fuse happens when too much voltage is sent through the electrical line. Fuses are meant to prevent electrical overloads, and blown fuses are the result of a high demand in power supply - more than what your electrical system can handle.
The high voltage sent through the lines can be a result of plugging in too many appliances at once. Extension cords and octopus adapters are known to cause short-circuiting and blown fuses. However, extreme temperatures can cause your air conditioner to work harder, causing an increase in electrical demand.
Reason #2 Issues with Breaker Box or Fuse Box
You may have electrical issues unrelated to your air conditioner at all! Your fuse box may be overworked, or have a short circuit somewhere along the line. You may encounter a circuit breaker that is loose, burnt, or melted. You may have a faulty appliance connected to the circuit that is causing a blown fuse. Contact an electrician for any electrical issues.
Reason #3 Low Refrigerant/Refrigerant Leak
Another reason for a blown AC fuse is when the refrigerant leaks out of the unit, causing the air conditioner to work harder to cool your room. When this happens, the air conditioning system demands more electrical power, which can result in tripping breakers.
Reason #4 Malfunctioning Capacitor
The capacitor is what regulates the current moving through your AC unit. A malfunctioning capacitor can no longer function properly, causing an imbalance of electrical current flowing through your air conditioner. Our Luce Aircon technicians can diagnose and replace your capacitor for you.
Reason #5 Faulty Condenser Fan
A condenser fan blows air over the condenser coils to efficiently cool the room. When this part is faulty, the cooling system can no longer deliver cold air into the room. This puts pressure on the AC unit, which can blow a fuse as the appliance works harder to make up for the fault in the condenser fan.
Reason #6 Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter does not promote good air circulation in and around the unit. The AC unit will need to work harder to pull the room-temperature air through its vents and push to deliver the cool air back into the room. This additional pressure gets the air conditioner to use more power, which in turn causes a blown fuse.
How to Know if My AC Fuse Is Blown?
In Singapore’s hot and humid climate, air conditioners work extra hard to keep homes and offices cool. Thus, a blown fuse is a common issue that can cause your AC to stop working. Before this problem gets out of hand, it’s best to address it soon. Here are some signs of a blown AC fuse:
- AC not turning on: If your unit isn’t responding, even after adjusting the thermostat, a fuse could be the problem.
- No cold air: The fuse might prevent proper operation if the fan is running but the air isn’t cooling.
- Tripped circuit breaker: If your breaker trips frequently when you turn on the AC, a fuse issue could be the cause.
Some of our clients in Singapore have faced these issues, often due to overworked AC units, especially during the hotter months.
Can I Fix Blown Fuses On the AC By Myself?
Technically, replacing an AC fuse is simple, but it involves handling electrical components. In Singapore, working with electrical parts without proper expertise can be risky and may even void warranties on your AC unit.
If you suspect a blown fuse, turn off the power before checking anything. Next, look for visible fuse damage, such as burn marks or broken wire inside. If you notice these signs, immediately call our professional technician at Luce Aircon.
For safety and long-term performance, it’s best to have a licensed technician handle the repair. If your AC is frequently blowing fuses, it could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as faulty wiring or an overworked compressor.
5 Tips to Prevent Air Conditioner Blowing Fuses
Tip #1 Avoid Plugging Too Many Devices and Appliances
Avoid overloading extension cords and octopus adapters with too many devices at a time to prevent electrical overload. Unplug any unnecessary device or appliance, even when the device is switched off. Some devices and appliances continue to use up power, even when turned off.
Tip #2 Have an Electrician Check Your Electrical System
If you keep blowing fuses despite using as minimal power as possible, contact an electrician to check your breaker box. Never attempt to tinker with any electrical connection, and do not replace your fuse with a larger fuse as this may lead to electrical fires and other problems.
Tip #3 Clean Air Conditioner Regularly
The indoor unit and the outdoor unit need constant cleaning to keep the entire AC system working properly. Dirt can cause problems for your AC unit when left unchecked, and clearing these away is part of aircon maintenance.
We always recommend our clients in Singapore to clean the air filters every two weeks by running them under soap and water and using a soft brush to remove the grime. Have our Luce Aircon technicians deep clean your air conditioning unit once every six months for optimal performance.
Tip #4 Go for Air Conditioner Maintenance
Schedule an aircon maintenance check with one of our technicians at least once a year. Doing regular maintenance catches any issues in your air conditioning unit long before it becomes a problem.
Tip #5 Fix Issues Immediately
Call a technician immediately at the first sign of an issue with your indoor or outdoor unit. Contact us for a list of our AC repair services, and our helpful HVAC professionals will be able to diagnose, repair, and solve the problem in no time.
AC Keeps Blowing Fuse?
An air conditioner that blows a fuse once is a small concern. Simply make adjustments to your unit or electrical socket, and the problem should blow over. However, an AC that keeps blowing fuses is indicative of an underlying problem–and you will need the pros to help address the issues.
If this happens, let Luce handle all your aircon cleaning needs. From simple deep cleaning to efficient repairs, Singapore's most reliable air conditioning service provider is just a call away!
Check out our article on portable aircon is leaking water!
