Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker gets thrown once and regular function returns after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for unease. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is probably the source.
However, you can’t ignore the issue if the breaker flips multiple times. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to run the blower motor and other components. Before you arrange furnace repair, consider the most likely reasons your furnace might be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before tripping the breaker? This may indicate limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw could overload the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore unimpeded airflow and resolve the problem:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t place anything against the furnace or otherwise reduce airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on its own circuit, but this might not happen in older residences. Review the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is on. A smarter, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician create an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This could be a result of an electrical issue in the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can increase the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll need an HVAC specialist like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to uncover and fix the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you eliminate any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the culprit. Lax connections or faulty breakers can lead to finicky performance. If you own an older house, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or poorly installed. In this case, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace may continue tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to fix the issue on your own. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the problem and suggest the needed repair. We’re take pride in our service, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to schedule furnace repair, call us at 305-440-1505 right away.
*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.