Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker gets thrown once and typical operation resumes after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for unease. In this situation, a surprise power surge is typically the source.
However, you can’t neglect the problem if the breaker gets thrown repeatedly. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces use electricity to run the blower motor and other pieces. Before you request furnace repair, review the most likely reasons your furnace might be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can stop it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace start for a short time before throwing the breaker? This may indicate reduced airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The resulting electrical draw may overheat the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore proper airflow and take care of the issue:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t lean anything against the furnace or otherwise reduce airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on a lone circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Find the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is on. A wiser, more permanent solution is to have an electrician install a dedicated circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This points to an electrical malfunction inside the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can affect the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC specialist like Comfort Masters Service Experts to identify and repair the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you rule out any issues with your furnace, the electrical panel may be to blame. Shaky connections or faulty breakers could lead to irregular performance. If you live in an older house, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this situation, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace may continue to trip the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to repair the situation on your own. If this happens, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Comfort Masters Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the problem and suggest the necessary repair. We’re confident in our repair, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to arrange furnace repair, call us at 847-250-6729 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.