Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and troublesome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker gets thrown once and normal performance returns after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for concern. In this instance, an unforeseen power surge is probably the reason.
However, you can’t neglect the situation if the breaker trips over and over. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces count on electricity to power the blower motor and other components. Before you arrange furnace repair, double check the most likely reasons your furnace could be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace start for a brief time before flipping the breaker? This can imply restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw can overheat the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore steady airflow and take care of the trouble:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise reduce airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on a lone circuit, but this might not occur in older homes. Find the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is in use. A better, 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 right as it begins running? This could be a result of an electrical malfunction inside the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it touches 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 flip the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to uncover and resolve the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you rule out any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel might be to blame. Shaky connections or faulty breakers might lead to erratic performance. If you have an older residence, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or inadequately installed. In this case, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace may continue tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to remove the situation yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the issue and advise the required repair. We’re proud of our work, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to schedule furnace repair, give us a call at 352-414-4006 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.