Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and troublesome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker trips once and typical function starts after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for concern. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is the most likely source.
However, you can’t avoid the problem if the breaker trips again and again. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces depend on electricity to run the blower motor and other components. Before you request furnace repair, review the most typical reasons your furnace might be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace run for a short time before throwing the breaker? This can point to reduced airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw can overload the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore proper airflow and take care of the issue:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make certain none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t lean anything against the furnace or otherwise reduce airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on a lone circuit, but this might not happen in older houses. Find the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is working. A safer, more permanent solution is to have an electrician install an individual 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 problem in the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can surge the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll need an HVAC Expert like Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning to diagnose and repair the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you eliminate any problems with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the source. Loose connections or damaged breakers will sometimes lead to finicky performance. If you live in an older house, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or poorly installed. In this case, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace may continue to trip the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to repair the situation by yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and contact Stallion Heating Plumbing Air Conditioning for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the problem and advise the required repair. We’re take pride in our repair, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to schedule furnace repair, give us a call at 215-278-9690 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.