Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and stressful, namely if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker shuts off once and regular operation starts after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for alarm. In this case, an unrelated power surge is probably the reason.
However, you can’t neglect the problem if the breaker gets thrown again and again. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces use electricity to run the blower motor and other components. Before you schedule furnace repair, double check the most typical reasons your furnace might be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace start for a short time before flipping the breaker? This may imply weak airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw can overwork the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore consistent airflow and resolve the trouble:
- 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 reduce airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a lone circuit, but this might not happen in older homes. Find the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is in use. A smarter, 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 trip the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This could be a result of an electrical malfunction in the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can affect the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC Expert like Roland J. Down Service Experts to find and fix the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you eliminate any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel might be to blame. Loose connections or damaged breakers can lead to irregular performance. If you have an older residence, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or poorly installed. In this situation, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace might continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to fix the issue yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Roland J. Down Service Experts for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the situation and advise the necessary repair. We’re take pride in our service, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to schedule furnace repair, give us a call at 518-417-2938 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.