Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and worrisome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker gets thrown once and average performance returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for concern. In this case, a surprise power surge is typically the reason.
However, you can’t neglect the issue if the breaker flips over and over. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces need electricity to power the blower motor and other pieces. Before you schedule furnace repair, double check the most common reasons your furnace could be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can stop it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace start for a short time before throwing the breaker? This could point to weak airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw might overwork the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore steady airflow and resolve the problem:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on its own circuit, but this might not occur in older residences. Inspect 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 running it while the furnace is working. A wiser, more lasting solution is to have an electrician create a new circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker right as it begins running? 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 trigger the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC pro like Finch Air Conditioning & Heating to diagnose and repair the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you exclude any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel could be to blame. Poor connections or damaged breakers could lead to irregular performance. If you have an older house, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this situation, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace could continue to trip the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to remove the problem on your own. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Finch Air Conditioning & Heating for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the problem and recommend the necessary repair. We’re proud of our work, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to request furnace repair, call us at 281-407-9478 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.