4 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Tripping Your Circuit Breaker and How to Solve It
Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and troublesome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker shuts off once and usual operation returns after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for concern. In this situation, an unforeseen power surge is typically the source.
However, you can’t ignore the problem if the breaker gets thrown again and again. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces count on electricity to operate the blower motor and other pieces. Before you arrange furnace repair, review the most typical reasons your furnace may be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can stop it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace run for a short time before tripping the breaker? This may stem from poor airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw could overheat the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore steady airflow and take care of the trouble:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make certain none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t place anything against the furnace or otherwise reduce airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on its own circuit, but this might not occur in older homes. Find the labels on your electrical panel to learn 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 in use. A smarter, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician put in a new circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This points to an electrical problem within the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can increase the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC specialist like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to diagnose and repair the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you rule out any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel might be to blame. Loose connections or damaged breakers may lead to erratic performance. If you own an older home, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or inadequately installed. In this situation, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace might continue to trip the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to resolve the problem by yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the issue and advise the needed repair. We’re proud of our service, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to arrange furnace repair, reach us at 919-578-4329 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.
