Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and stressful, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker gets thrown once and typical function resumes after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for unease. In this case, a surprise power surge is probably the reason.
However, you can’t avoid the issue if the breaker trips multiple times. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces need electricity to run the blower motor and other pieces. Before you schedule furnace repair, review the most typical reasons your furnace might be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace work for a brief time before throwing the breaker? This could stem from limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The resulting electrical draw may overheat the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Try these tips to restore steady airflow and fix the problem:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t lean anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on its own circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Check the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is running. A better, more lasting solution is to have an electrician install a new circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This may be evidence of an electrical problem in the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can affect the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll need an HVAC Expert like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to diagnose and fix the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you exclude any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel might be to blame. Poor connections or faulty breakers can lead to irregular performance. If you live in an older residence, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or poorly installed. In this situation, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace may keep tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to remove the situation by yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the problem and recommend the required repair. We’re take pride in our work, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to schedule furnace repair, give us a call at 866-397-3787 now.
*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.