Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and troublesome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker gets thrown once and regular function resumes after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for unease. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is typically the reason.
However, you can’t ignore the issue 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 schedule furnace repair, review the most common reasons your furnace might be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can stop it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace work for a brief time before flipping the breaker? This could imply reduced airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw might overheat the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Try these tips to restore steady airflow and fix the trouble:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a lone circuit, but this might not happen in older residences. Review the labels on your electrical panel to determine 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 in use. A safer, more lasting solution is to have an electrician put in an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This points to an electrical malfunction within the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can surge the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC Expert like A-PLUS Service Experts to find and resolve the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you eliminate any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the source. Shaky connections or damaged breakers may lead to finicky performance. If you live in an older residence, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this case, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace could continue to trip the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to resolve the problem on your own. If this happens, leave the furnace off and get in touch with A-PLUS Service Experts for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the problem and recommend the necessary repair. We’re take pride in our work, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to arrange furnace repair, reach us at 301-747-3140 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.