Tripped circuit breakers are irritating and worrisome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker trips once and usual function resumes after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for unease. In this instance, an unforeseen power surge is typically the reason.
However, you can’t avoid the situation if the breaker trips multiple times. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces rely on electricity to power the blower motor and other components. Before you schedule furnace repair, consider the most likely reasons your furnace could be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace work for a brief time before tripping the breaker? This might stem from reduced airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The resulting electrical draw could overload the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore consistent airflow and resolve the trouble:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on a lone circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Review 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 safer, more lasting solution is to have an electrician install a new circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This could be a result of an electrical issue within the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can increase the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll need an HVAC pro like Calverley Service Experts to identify and repair the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you eliminate any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the source. Poor connections or malfunctioning breakers could lead to erratic performance. If you own an older home, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this case, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace might continue to trip the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to remove the issue yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Calverley Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the situation and recommend the necessary repair. We’re take pride in our work, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to arrange furnace repair, give us a call at 817-380-5647 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.