Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and stressful, especially if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker gets thrown once and usual function resumes after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for distress. In this instance, a surprise power surge is probably the cause.
However, you can’t ignore the issue if the breaker gets thrown over and over. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces use electricity to power the blower motor and other parts. Before you arrange furnace repair, double check the most typical reasons your furnace may be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace run for just a few minutes before flipping the breaker? This might indicate limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw can overwork the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Here are some tips to restore normal airflow and fix the trouble:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a dedicated circuit, but this may not be the case in older residences. Inspect the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is on. A wiser, more ongoing 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 may be evidence of an electrical malfunction within the furnace. An exposed wire might 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 affect the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC pro like Robinson Service Experts to identify and repair the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you eliminate any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel could be to blame. Loose connections or malfunctioning breakers might lead to inconsistent performance. If you have an older home, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this situation, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace might continue to trip the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to fix the problem by yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and reach out to Robinson Service Experts for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the issue and advise the needed repair. We’re take pride in our work, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to schedule furnace repair, call us at 847-306-8730 now.
*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.