Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and worrisome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker shuts off once and normal performance resumes after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for distress. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is probably the reason.
However, you can’t avoid the situation if the breaker gets thrown again and again. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces depend on electricity to power the blower motor and other components. Before you arrange furnace repair, think about the most common reasons your furnace could be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace run for a short time before tripping the breaker? This could imply restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The resulting electrical draw can overload the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Try these tips to restore unimpeded airflow and resolve the problem:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are restricted 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 houses. Examine the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is working. A better, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician put in an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This is frequently an electrical problem inside the furnace. An exposed wire could 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 affect the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC professional like Stevenson Service Experts to diagnose and fix the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you eliminate any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel could be to blame. Shaky connections or faulty breakers could lead to finicky performance. If you own an older home, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this case, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace may keep tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to remove the problem yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Stevenson Service Experts for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the situation and recommend the necessary repair. We’re confident 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, reach us at 614-334-3192 right away.
*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.