Why Do My Lights Dim When My Air Conditioner Turns On?

In this episode, we tackle a common question for Texas homeowners: "Why do my lights dim every time my air conditioning system comes on?"

Luke explains the massive power draw required to start an air conditioning unit and how it affects your home's electrical system. He delves into the technical aspects, such as Ohm's Law, and the importance of good wiring, surge protection, and proper grounding.

We discuss potential issues with older AC units and electrical panels, particularly the Challenger breaker panels known for weak connections. Luke also offers practical advice on dedicated circuits for window units and mini-splits to avoid electrical problems.

Join us for an informative session that highlights the importance of regular HVAC maintenance and proper electrical setups to keep your home running smoothly.

 

For More Information visit them at www.coolhandelectric.com or call them at 469-874-0198

Episode Transcript

(00:02):
In Texas it is hot in the summertime and
in the summertime we use our air conditioning a lot we use it throughout
the year but certainly in the summertime it's cycling
on and off question has come in yeah why
do my lights dim every time my air conditioning system comes on what's happening

(00:24):
there Luke it's no good no good so that's the the air conditioning pulls a massive amount of power.
In order to get it started so if you think about like a
um remember the not a
ferris wheel what's the merry-go-round what's

(00:44):
the thing yeah yeah go around yeah okay so getting it
started oh yeah right and then
once you're on then you're getting dizzy and throwing up
later so that's the that's that's the
idea behind the compressor the
compressor on your air conditioning unit pulls a lot of
power want to get it going to get

(01:05):
to get that refrigerant moving around the system that refrigerant
goes all throughout the system and it takes some it
takes some to get that thing rolling okay once it's
rolling that startup power is done then it
chills out but that startup power if you don't
have good wiring going to it or if
your if your power at your breakers your your

(01:27):
breaker box any of those spots are weak then it
takes it you're going to see it it really pull your
voltage down because there's this thing called ohm's law
it's just a rule about electricity but basically
all it means is if you have higher amperage
you're going to be dropping down the the voltage okay so when the voltage drops

(01:48):
down the light's going to be it's like a dimmer on stuff um it's not always
a problem but if it's consistently happening with this person it's there could
be a lot of electrical issues going on and maybe even air conditioning going bad on them um.
The older those motors get, they can pull a lot of power.

(02:08):
Then on top of that, if there's not surge protection, if there's not good grounding,
good wiring, if there's loose connections, it can really stack up on issues
with their electrical system.
You know, Luke, you brought up a good point. If in the past when your air conditioning
unit cranked up, the lights didn't dim, but they're beginning to now,

(02:30):
maybe your AC system needs to be looked at by a qualified HVAC technician because
it may be beginning to fail.
And it's important to know that here in Texas for sure. Yeah, definitely.
That's definitely a sign. It's pulling a lot of power. Or if it wasn't doing it before, now it is.
It's pulling a lot of – and we have – I just saw one yesterday.

(02:54):
It was a – we have a lot of these breaker panels called Challenger.
And they did not – they're synonymous for that.
They would have really weak aluminum type of bus bars.
And then within 10, 15 years, where the bus bar is where the breaker connects,

(03:15):
okay, that spot there, air would get really charred up and have a bad connection.
And every time the air conditioning unit would kick on because it pulled a lot
of power, it would get worse and worse and worse.
And we have so many of those. And you'll hear that call.
You'll understand what's going on. You go out there. It's like,
yeah, it's the breaker panel because that really does cause some gnarly voltage and bad connection.

(03:42):
It can cause some hotspots throughout the system. Absolutely.
Yeah. And, you know, something else, if you have an older home or a home with
a circuit that's not designed for a portable air conditioning unit,
maybe it's a window unit.
Maybe it's on an addition to a house that you decided not to put the HVAC system

(04:06):
and maybe it's in the garage or a shed.
Okay. Okay, it's likely that circuit isn't designed for that draw because when
you're turning, especially a good size window unit,
you're looking at a problem if that outlet's not rated for the draw and you

(04:28):
might break the breaker, right? It might trip.
Yeah, no, you're absolutely right. Definitely any air conditioning unit or heating
unit, they need to have a separate circuit.
They just pull too much power it's just going to cause too
many issues so if you're if you're planning on having a
window unit don't just plug it into any any plug
around there have a dedicated circuit just trust me I've seen too many issues

(04:52):
caused when when people try to plug it in with with a
branch circuit one that's kind of branching throughout the house to other outlets
and whatnot or lights and switches just have it dedicated if it's a window unit
or a mini split a lot of people are adding mini splits these days with their
garages you know get a new circuit to it don't tap it on to the dryer or, you know,

(05:12):
welder or whatever type of other circuit you you're having, get a separate circuit for that.
And just, just don't worry about it anymore.
It's great advice. It's really the way to go.
Luke, as always, thank you so much for joining me today here on the program.
Yes, sir. Appreciate you.