Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker trips once and average operation resumes after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for distress. In this case, an unrelated power surge is typically the cause.
However, you can’t neglect the situation if the breaker gets thrown multiple times. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to run the blower motor and other components. Before you arrange furnace repair, review the most typical reasons your furnace may be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace start for a brief time before flipping the breaker? This can point to restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw may overheat the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore proper airflow and resolve the issue:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on a dedicated circuit, but this might not happen in older houses. Find the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is running. A smarter, more ongoing 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 within the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it touches 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 flip the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC pro like Wesley Wood Service Experts to find and resolve the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you eliminate any issues with your furnace, the electrical panel might be to blame. Poor connections or damaged breakers may lead to finicky performance. If you live in an older residence, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or poorly installed. In this instance, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace may keep tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to resolve the problem on your own. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Wesley Wood Service Experts for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the issue and recommend the necessary repair. We’re take pride in our service, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to arrange furnace repair, reach us at 484-401-7577 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.