4 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Shutting Off Your Circuit Breaker and How to Fix It

Tripped circuit breakers are irritating and stressful, namely if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker shuts off once and normal performance starts after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for concern. In this instance, a surprise power surge is typically the cause.

However, you can’t avoid the issue if the breaker trips again and again. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces need electricity to run the blower motor and other pieces. Before you schedule furnace repair, double check the most common reasons your furnace would be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.

1. Overloaded Furnace

Does your furnace start 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 overwork the system, strain the circuit and flip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore steady airflow and take care of the problem:

• • Change the air filter.

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

• • Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.

2. Overloaded Circuit

HVAC equipment does best on a lone circuit, but this may not be the case in older homes. Review the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is working. A wiser, 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 trip the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This could be a result of an electrical issue in the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can increase the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to diagnose and repair the issue.

4. Electrical Panel Problem

If you rule out any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the source. Poor connections or damaged breakers could lead to erratic performance. If you have an older residence, 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 could continue tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to repair the problem on your own. If this happens, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the issue and advise the needed repair. We’re proud of our work, so we stand behind 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 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.