When a fuse blows in your air conditioner, your AC stops working. The fuses for your AC are found in the small disconnect box near the condenser outside. While you could probably put a new fuse in yourself if you follow safety precautions, it's better to uncover the reason the fuse blew.

A blown fuse could signal a more serious problem with your air conditioner that needs to be repaired. Here are things that can cause fuses to blow in your air conditioner.

Your AC Is Working Harder Than It Should

Anything that causes your AC to work harder than it should to keep your home cool can cause a fuse to blow out. A clogged filter is one example. When the filter is clogged, airflow is reduced and your AC struggles to meet the temperature set on the thermostat. If it's exceptionally hot outdoors, your AC strains even more.

Another thing that causes your AC to run longer than normal and put strain on the parts is when the refrigerant is low. If the refrigerant is low or if the system is dirty and putting a strain on your AC, a new fuse will probably blow out too. That's why just replacing a fuse isn't always the right fix. Instead, an air conditioning repair technician has to figure out why your AC is struggling and then correct the problem.

The AC Parts Are Getting Old

AC fuses can last for many years, but if you have an old air conditioner, the fuses could be near the end of their lives. If the fuses are the only cause of the problem, the repair technician can put in new ones. When your AC gets old, other parts wear down too, and that could strain your equipment and lead to a blown fuse.

There Is An Electrical Problem

An electrical problem can cause a fuse to blow as a way of protecting your equipment. There might be loose wiring connections in the condenser, or a capacitor might be bad. There could even be a problem with the power supply or trouble with the disconnect box.

A power surge or lightning strike can also cause damage to your AC and cause a fuse to blow. When your AC has an electrical problem, you need an experienced air conditioning repair technician to test the electrical parts and make repairs so your equipment is protected from damage.

Once the cause of the problem has been found and repairs are complete, the AC repair technician will replace the fuses and your system should work just fine. While a blown fuse is an annoying inconvenience, it is actually a protective measure for your AC equipment that prevents costly damage and lets you know there's a problem with your air conditioner.

Contact a company like Bud's Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric to learn more.