Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and troublesome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker shuts off once and regular operation returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for distress. In this case, an unrelated power surge is typically the reason.
However, you can’t neglect the problem if the breaker trips over and over. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces need electricity to run the blower motor and other parts. Before you schedule furnace repair, review the most likely reasons your furnace may be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can stop it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace work for a brief time before throwing the breaker? This might be a result of restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw can overheat the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore steady airflow and take care of the issue:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on a dedicated circuit, but this may not be the case in older homes. Review the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is on. A wiser, more lasting solution is to have an electrician put in an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This points to an electrical malfunction within the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can surge the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to identify and fix the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you exclude any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel could be to blame. Shaky connections or damaged breakers may lead to erratic performance. If you have an older home, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this situation, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace may continue tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to remove the issue by yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the situation and advise the necessary repair. We’re confident in our service, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to schedule furnace repair, give us a call at 303-647-5853 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.