Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and worrisome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker gets thrown once and regular function starts after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for concern. In this instance, an unrelated power surge is typically the cause.
However, you can’t neglect the situation if the breaker gets thrown again and again. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces use electricity to run the blower motor and other parts. Before you arrange furnace repair, double check the most likely reasons your furnace could be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace start for just a few minutes before throwing the breaker? This can stem from reduced airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The resulting electrical draw could overwork the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Try these tips to restore consistent airflow and resolve the issue:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make certain none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on a lone circuit, but this might not occur in older homes. Review the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is on. A smarter, 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 trip the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This is frequently an electrical malfunction inside the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can affect the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll need an HVAC professional like Knochelmann Service Experts to diagnose and resolve the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you exclude any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel could be to blame. Shaky connections or malfunctioning breakers can lead to erratic performance. If you have an older residence, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or inadequately installed. In this instance, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace may keep tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to resolve the problem on your own. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and reach out to Knochelmann Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the situation and recommend the needed repair. We’re proud of our work, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to schedule furnace repair, give us a call at 859-905-0834 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.