Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker shuts off once and typical performance returns after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for concern. In this situation, a surprise power surge is probably the source.
However, you can’t avoid the issue if the breaker trips again and again. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces count on electricity to power the blower motor and other components. Before you request furnace repair, consider the most likely reasons your furnace may be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can stop it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace run for just a few minutes before throwing the breaker? This may imply weak airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw could overheat the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore normal airflow and take care of the issue:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t place anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a lone circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Find the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is working. A better, more permanent solution is to have an electrician install a dedicated 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 issue inside the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can surge the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll need an HVAC professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to find and fix the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you exclude any problems with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the source. Shaky connections or damaged breakers might lead to irregular performance. If you own an older home, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this situation, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace could continue to trip the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to resolve 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 find the problem and recommend the required repair. We’re proud of our repair, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to request furnace repair, give us a call at 866-397-3787 today.
*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.