Tripped circuit breakers are irritating and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker trips once and typical operation resumes after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for alarm. In this instance, a surprise power surge is typically the source.
However, you can’t neglect the issue if the breaker flips repeatedly. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to operate the blower motor and other pieces. Before you request furnace repair, double check the most common reasons your furnace would be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before tripping the breaker? This can be a result of poor airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw may overload the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Try these tips to restore normal airflow and resolve the issue:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make certain none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise reduce airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on its own circuit, but this may not be the case in older homes. Examine the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is working. A smarter, more permanent solution is to have an electrician create an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This could be a result of an electrical malfunction inside the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can surge the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC specialist like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to diagnose and repair the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you eliminate any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the culprit. Loose connections or damaged breakers might lead to inconsistent performance. If you live in an older residence, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or inadequately installed. In this situation, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace may continue tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to resolve the problem by yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the situation and advise the needed repair. We’re proud of our work, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to arrange furnace repair, call us at 925-364-5427 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.