Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and troublesome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker shuts off once and average operation returns after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for distress. In this case, a surprise power surge is the most likely reason.
However, you can’t avoid the problem if the breaker gets thrown repeatedly. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces use electricity to power the blower motor and other parts. Before you arrange furnace repair, double check the most common reasons your furnace would be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can stop it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before flipping the breaker? This could stem from reduced airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw may overload the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Try these tips to restore proper airflow and fix 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. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on a lone circuit, but this might not happen in older homes. Examine the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is running. A safer, more permanent solution is to have an electrician put in an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This may be evidence of an electrical issue within the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can affect the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to uncover and repair the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you rule out any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the culprit. Shaky connections or damaged breakers might lead to erratic performance. If you live in an older home, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this instance, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace may keep tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to fix the problem yourself. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the issue and suggest the needed repair. We’re proud of our service, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to schedule furnace repair, call us at 440-252-1375 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.