Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker trips once and average performance returns after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for unease. In this situation, a surprise power surge is the most likely source.
However, you can’t ignore the situation if the breaker flips over and over. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces utilize electricity to power the blower motor and other components. Before you schedule furnace repair, think about the most likely reasons your furnace would be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace start for a brief time before tripping the breaker? This can be a result of restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The resulting electrical draw may overwork the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore unimpeded airflow and take care of the trouble:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a lone circuit, but this might not happen in older residences. Find the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is in use. A safer, more permanent solution is to have an electrician create an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This may be evidence of an electrical issue inside the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it meets 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 Stevenson Service Experts to identify and fix the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you rule out any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the culprit. Poor connections or damaged breakers will sometimes lead to finicky performance. If you own an older residence, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or poorly installed. In this instance, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace may continue tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to repair the issue on your own. If this happens, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Stevenson Service Experts for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify 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 info about us, or to arrange furnace repair, give us a call at 937-503-7896 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.