Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and troublesome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker gets thrown once and usual function resumes after you reset it, there is no sudden 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 over and over. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces need electricity to operate the blower motor and other pieces. Before you arrange furnace repair, think about the most likely reasons your furnace may be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace start for just a few minutes before flipping the breaker? This might imply restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw could overheat the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore unimpeded 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 put anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on its own circuit, but this may not be the case in older homes. Inspect the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is working. A better, more permanent solution is to have an electrician install a new circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This could be a result of an electrical malfunction within the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can surge the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC specialist like Climate Control Service Experts to find and resolve the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you rule out any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel might be to blame. Loose connections or malfunctioning breakers can lead to finicky performance. If you own an older house, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or poorly installed. In this case, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace may keep tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to fix the situation by yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and call Climate Control Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the problem and recommend the needed repair. We’re confident in our repair, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to schedule furnace repair, reach us at 251-202-7503 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.