Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker gets thrown once and normal operation starts after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for distress. In this situation, a surprise power surge is probably the reason.
However, you can’t ignore the issue if the breaker flips multiple times. This can 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 schedule furnace repair, consider the most common reasons your furnace could be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace work for a brief time before tripping the breaker? This could imply reduced airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The resulting electrical draw could overwork the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore unimpeded airflow and take care of the trouble:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t place anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on its own circuit, but this might not happen in older residences. Examine the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is running. A safer, 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 right as it begins running? This is frequently an electrical issue within the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can affect the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC Expert like Midland Air Service Experts to diagnose and fix the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you exclude any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel might be to blame. Shaky connections or faulty breakers could lead to inconsistent performance. If you have an older residence, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or inadequately installed. In this instance, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace may continue to trip the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to remove the issue yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Midland Air Service Experts for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the issue and advise the necessary repair. We’re proud of our work, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to schedule furnace repair, reach us at 803-399-7208 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.