4 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Throwing Your Circuit Breaker and How to Solve It
Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and stressful, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker gets thrown once and normal function returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for concern. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is typically the cause.
However, you can’t avoid the situation if the breaker trips multiple times. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to operate the blower motor and other pieces. Before you arrange furnace repair, think about the most common reasons your furnace could be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace work for a short time before throwing the breaker? This may imply reduced airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw might overwork the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Try these tips to restore normal airflow and resolve the issue:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make certain none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a lone circuit, but this might not occur in older residences. Check 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 on. A better, more permanent solution is to have an electrician create a new 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 malfunction in the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can affect the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC Expert like Fras-Air/General Service Experts to identify and repair the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you exclude any problems with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the culprit. Poor connections or faulty breakers can lead to irregular performance. If you live in an older residence, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or inadequately installed. In this situation, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace could continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to repair the issue yourself. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and contact Fras-Air/General Service Experts for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the problem and advise the necessary repair. We’re take pride in our service, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to request furnace repair, give us a call at 908-448-2154 today.
*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.
