4 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Shutting Off Your Circuit Breaker and How to Repair It
Tripped circuit breakers are irritating and stressful, namely if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker trips once and regular operation returns after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for concern. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is probably the cause.
However, you can’t neglect the issue if the breaker trips repeatedly. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces count on electricity to operate the blower motor and other parts. Before you request furnace repair, double check the most typical reasons your furnace could be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace run for a short time before throwing the breaker? This might imply restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw may overheat the system, strain the circuit and trip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore consistent airflow and fix the trouble:
-
- Swap out the air filter.
-
- Open all air registers and ensure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
-
- Don’t place anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on a lone circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Examine 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 operating it while the furnace is in use. A safer, more lasting solution is to have an electrician create an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This could be a result of an electrical issue inside 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 comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can surge the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to diagnose and repair the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you rule out any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the culprit. Poor connections or malfunctioning breakers will sometimes lead to irregular performance. If you live in an older house, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or poorly installed. In this instance, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace might continue tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to resolve the issue yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the issue and suggest the required repair. We’re take pride in our work, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to request furnace repair, give us a call at 866-397-3787 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.
-
A Good Spring Cleaning: An HVAC Maintenance Checklist for March
You’ve been hibernating away from the cold, but March is the month when things finally start to warm up. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be eager to brush off the cobwebs of winter and embrace the promise of spring. Amid the flurry of organizing and cleaning, don’t neglect your... Continue reading
-
7 Energy-Efficient HVAC Strategies for Early Spring
As chilly winter days become rarer and the welcome warmth of early spring takes hold, you might start thinking about how you’ll keep your home cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is a great time to adopt energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the hotter months... Continue reading
-
Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring
As the days and nights get warmer this spring, your focus shifts from heating your home to cooling it. Making sure your HVAC system is prepared for the changing seasons is crucial if you hope to maintain home comfort and energy efficiency. Use these HVAC system transition suggestions from the HVAC... Continue reading