4 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Throwing Your Circuit Breaker and How to Repair It
Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and worrisome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker shuts off once and regular function returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for unease. In this situation, an unforeseen power surge is probably the source.
However, you can’t neglect the issue if the breaker gets thrown 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 components. Before you arrange furnace repair, think about the most likely reasons your furnace may be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before throwing the breaker? This could point to limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw may overload the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore consistent airflow and resolve the issue:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are restricted 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 might not happen in older residences. Check the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is in use. A wiser, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician put in a dedicated circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This could be a result of an electrical issue inside the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can increase the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC Expert like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to diagnose and repair the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you exclude any issues with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the source. Poor connections or damaged breakers will sometimes lead to finicky performance. If you live in an older home, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or inadequately installed. In this case, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace could keep tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to resolve the problem yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the issue and suggest the required repair. We’re take pride in our repair, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to request furnace repair, give us a call at 303-647-5749 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.
