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

Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker gets thrown once and regular operation resumes after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for alarm. In this situation, a surprise power surge is probably the reason.

However, you can’t avoid the problem if the breaker trips multiple times. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to power the blower motor and other parts. Before you schedule furnace repair, think about the most likely reasons your furnace would be tripping 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 might point to weak airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw might overwork the system, strain the circuit and trip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore steady airflow and take care of the issue:

• • Change the air filter.

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

• • Don’t lean 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 residences. Find 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 running. A smarter, more permanent solution is to have an electrician put in a dedicated circuit for your HVAC system.

3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault

Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This points to 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 meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can increase the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to uncover and resolve the issue.

4. Electrical Panel Issue

If you eliminate any problems with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the culprit. Poor connections or malfunctioning breakers may lead to finicky performance. If you have an older residence, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or inadequately installed. In this situation, you need assistance from an electrician.

Your furnace could continue tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to resolve the problem on your own. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the situation and advise the needed repair. We’re take pride in our work, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to schedule furnace repair, give us a call at 866-397-3787 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.