4 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Throwing Your Circuit Breaker and How to Fix It

Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and stressful, namely if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker gets thrown once and regular operation returns after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for concern. In this situation, an unforeseen power surge is the most likely reason.

However, you can’t neglect the issue if the breaker gets thrown again and again. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces count on electricity to operate the blower motor and other pieces. Before you request furnace repair, consider the most typical reasons your furnace might be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.

1. Overloaded Furnace

Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before throwing the breaker? This can stem from poor airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw could overwork the system, strain the circuit and throw the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore normal airflow and fix the issue:

• • Swap out the air filter.

• • Open all air registers and make certain none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.

• • Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.

2. Overloaded Circuit

HVAC equipment does best on a dedicated circuit, but this might not happen in older residences. Check the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is in use. A wiser, 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 trip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This is frequently an electrical malfunction in the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can surge the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to find and fix the trouble.

4. Electrical Panel Issue

If you eliminate any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the culprit. Shaky connections or faulty breakers might lead to finicky performance. If you live in an older house, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or poorly installed. In this instance, you need help from an electrician.

Your furnace may keep tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to fix the situation yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the issue and recommend the required repair. We’re confident in our work, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to request furnace repair, reach us at 866-397-3787 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.