Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker gets thrown once and regular function returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for unease. In this situation, a surprise power surge is probably the source.
However, you can’t ignore the problem if the breaker gets thrown multiple times. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces use electricity to run the blower motor and other parts. Before you schedule furnace repair, consider the most common reasons your furnace could be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can stop it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace run for just a few minutes before tripping the breaker? This could point to poor airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw can overwork the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore consistent airflow and take care of the issue:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t lean anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a dedicated circuit, but this might not occur in older homes. Check the labels on your electrical panel to learn 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 on. A better, more permanent solution is to have an electrician install a dedicated circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This points to an electrical malfunction in the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can increase the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC pro like Teays Valley Service Experts to uncover and resolve the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you exclude any issues with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the culprit. Lax connections or damaged breakers could lead to finicky performance. If you live in an older house, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this case, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace might continue tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to fix the problem by yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Teays Valley Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the problem and suggest the needed repair. We’re proud of our repair, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to request furnace repair, reach us at 304-760-5088 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.