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

Tripped circuit breakers are irritating and stressful, namely if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker gets thrown once and regular performance starts after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for alarm. In this situation, an unforeseen power surge is typically the cause.

However, you can’t neglect the problem if the breaker flips repeatedly. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces use electricity to run the blower motor and other parts. Before you arrange furnace repair, think about the most typical reasons your furnace would be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.

1. Overheated Furnace

Does your furnace run for a short time before throwing the breaker? This might point to poor airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw can overwork the system, strain the circuit and throw the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore normal airflow and fix the issue:

• • Replace the air filter.

• • Open all air registers and ensure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.

• • Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.

2. Overloaded Circuit

HVAC equipment does best on a dedicated circuit, but this might not happen in older homes. Find the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is working. A safer, more permanent 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 right as it begins running? This may be evidence of an electrical issue 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 meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can increase the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll need an HVAC pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to uncover and resolve the problem.

4. Electrical Panel Issue

If you rule out any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel may be to blame. Lax connections or faulty breakers will sometimes lead to finicky performance. If you have an older home, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or poorly installed. In this situation, you need the expertise of an electrician.

Your furnace could continue to trip the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to resolve the issue by yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the situation and suggest the necessary repair. We’re confident in our service, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to arrange furnace repair, reach us at 866-397-3787 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.