Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and worrisome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker gets thrown once and normal function starts after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for unease. In this situation, an unforeseen power surge is probably the source.
However, you can’t avoid the problem if the breaker flips again and again. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces need electricity to run the blower motor and other pieces. Before you schedule furnace repair, double check the most typical reasons your furnace would be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace work for a short time before flipping the breaker? This can point to weak airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw could overload the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Try these tips to restore consistent airflow and take care of the problem:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on its own circuit, but this might not happen in older houses. Inspect the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is on. A safer, more lasting solution is to have an electrician install an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This could be a result of an electrical problem inside the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can affect the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC professional like Air Engineers Service Experts to uncover and fix the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you eliminate any issues with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the source. Poor connections or malfunctioning breakers may lead to irregular performance. If you own an older house, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this instance, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace may continue tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to remove the situation yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and call Air Engineers Service Experts for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the problem and recommend the required repair. We’re confident in our service, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to arrange furnace repair, give us a call at 904-450-5672 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.