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

Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and worrisome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker shuts off once and normal operation returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for concern. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is the most likely cause.

However, you can’t neglect the issue if the breaker trips multiple times. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to power the blower motor and other pieces. Before you request furnace repair, consider the most likely reasons your furnace may be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.

1. Overworked Furnace

Does your furnace work for a short time before flipping the breaker? This can stem from poor airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The resulting electrical draw may overload the system, strain the circuit and throw the breaker. Try these tips to restore consistent airflow and fix the problem:

• • Change the air filter.

• • Open all air registers and make certain none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs.

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

2. Overloaded Circuit

HVAC equipment is best used on a dedicated circuit, but this may not be the case in older residences. Inspect the labels on your electrical panel to learn 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 in use. A smarter, more lasting solution is to have an electrician install a dedicated circuit for your HVAC system.

3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault

Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This may be evidence of an electrical problem inside the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can surge the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC Expert like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to find and fix the issue.

4. Electrical Panel Problem

If you exclude any problems with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the source. Poor connections or malfunctioning breakers will sometimes lead to irregular performance. If you have an older home, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or poorly installed. In this case, you need assistance from an electrician.

Your furnace could keep tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to fix the problem on your own. If this happens, leave the furnace off and call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the problem and advise the needed repair. We’re take pride in our work, 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 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.