Tripped circuit breakers are irritating and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker gets thrown once and normal operation resumes after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for concern. In this case, an unrelated power surge is the most likely cause.
However, you can’t ignore the issue if the breaker gets thrown repeatedly. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to run the blower motor and other components. Before you request furnace repair, think about the most likely reasons your furnace may be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace start for just a few minutes before tripping the breaker? This might indicate restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw may overheat the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore consistent airflow and fix the trouble:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a dedicated circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Check the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is working. A safer, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician install a dedicated circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This may be evidence of an electrical malfunction inside 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 meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can affect the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to find and fix the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you eliminate any problems with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the culprit. Lax connections or damaged breakers might lead to inconsistent performance. If you live in an older home, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or poorly installed. In this case, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace might continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to repair the problem yourself. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the situation and recommend the needed repair. We’re confident in our service, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to arrange furnace repair, call us at 352-414-4006 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.