4 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Tripping Your Circuit Breaker and How to Repair It

Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and stressful, namely if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker shuts off once and usual operation returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for distress. In this case, a surprise power surge is typically the source.

However, you can’t neglect the problem if the breaker gets thrown over and over. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces depend on electricity to run the blower motor and other pieces. Before you request furnace repair, consider the most common reasons your furnace may be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it.

1. Overworked Furnace

Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before tripping the breaker? This may point to restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw might overload the system, strain the circuit and trip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore steady airflow and take care of the trouble:

• • Change the air filter.

• • Open all air registers and make sure none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs.

• • Don’t place anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.

2. Overloaded Circuit

HVAC equipment should be on a lone circuit, but this might not happen in older residences. Examine the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is working. A better, more permanent solution is to have an electrician install a new circuit for your HVAC system.

3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault

Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This may be evidence of an electrical problem within the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can increase the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to uncover and fix the issue.

4. Electrical Panel Issue

If you rule out any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the culprit. Shaky connections or damaged breakers can lead to erratic performance. If you own an older home, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this situation, you need help from an electrician.

Your furnace may continue tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to fix the issue yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the issue and suggest the required repair. We’re confident in our work, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to schedule furnace repair, call us at 866-397-3787 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.