Tripped circuit breakers are irritating and worrisome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker trips once and regular operation resumes after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for distress. In this case, an unforeseen power surge is the most likely cause.
However, you can’t avoid the issue if the breaker trips multiple times. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to operate the blower motor and other pieces. Before you request furnace repair, think about the most typical reasons your furnace could be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace run for a short time before tripping the breaker? This could imply limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The resulting electrical draw might overheat the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore proper airflow and take care of the issue:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t lean anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a lone circuit, but this may not be the case in older residences. Inspect 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 running it while the furnace is on. A safer, more lasting solution is to have an electrician create a dedicated circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This is frequently an electrical issue in the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can affect the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC specialist like Neal Harris Service Experts to diagnose and resolve the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you exclude any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the source. Poor connections or malfunctioning breakers can lead to finicky 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 If you live in an older house, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or poorly installed.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 case, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace may keep tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to resolve the problem by yourself. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and reach out to Neal Harris Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the situation and advise the needed repair. We’re take pride in our service, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to request furnace repair, give us a call at 816-787-0500 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.