Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and troublesome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker shuts off once and usual function starts after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for alarm. In this instance, an unforeseen power surge is probably the cause.
However, you can’t ignore the problem if the breaker trips over and over. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces need electricity to power the blower motor and other parts. Before you schedule furnace repair, think about the most typical reasons your furnace could be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace run for a brief time before tripping the breaker? This might stem from restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The resulting electrical draw can overheat the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Here are some tips to restore proper airflow and resolve the trouble:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t lean anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on its own circuit, but this might not occur in older homes. Check 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 using it while the furnace is in use. A safer, 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 as soon as it starts? This may be evidence of an electrical problem inside the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can affect the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC Expert like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to identify and resolve the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you rule out any problems with your furnace, the electrical panel may be to blame. Lax connections or malfunctioning breakers could lead to finicky performance. If you own an older home, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or inadequately installed. In this situation, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace could continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to resolve the problem on your own. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the problem and suggest the needed repair. We’re proud of our work, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to arrange furnace repair, reach us at 330-236-4793 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.