Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and troublesome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker gets thrown once and typical performance resumes after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for alarm. In this instance, an unrelated power surge is the most likely reason.
However, you can’t neglect the situation if the breaker gets thrown again and again. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces utilize electricity to power the blower motor and other parts. Before you schedule furnace repair, review the most common reasons your furnace would be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace work for a short time before tripping the breaker? This can indicate limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw might overload the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore normal airflow and take care of the problem:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a dedicated circuit, but this might not occur in older homes. Check the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is on. A safer, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician install a new circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This could be a result of an electrical issue in the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can affect the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC Expert like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to identify and fix the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you rule out any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the culprit. Loose 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 inadequately installed. In this case, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace might continue tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to resolve the situation yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the problem and suggest the needed repair. We’re take pride in our repair, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to arrange furnace repair, reach us at 318-588-8163 now.
*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.