Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker trips once and usual operation returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for distress. In this situation, a surprise power surge is probably the source.
However, you can’t avoid the situation if the breaker gets thrown over and over. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to operate the blower motor and other parts. Before you request furnace repair, double check the most likely reasons your furnace would be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace start for a short time before throwing the breaker? This may imply restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw can overload the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Try these tips to restore steady airflow and resolve the issue:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t place anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on its own circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Check the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is on. A smarter, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician install 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 may be evidence of an electrical issue within the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can increase the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll need an HVAC pro like Matz-Rightway to find and fix the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you exclude any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel might be to blame. Lax connections or damaged breakers could lead to finicky performance. If you have an older house, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or poorly installed. In this situation, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace could continue to trip the circuit breaker despite your efforts to repair the situation on your own. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and reach out to Matz-Rightway for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the problem and suggest the necessary repair. We’re take pride in our service, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to schedule furnace repair, give us a call at 631-406-9220 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.