Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and troublesome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker shuts off once and usual operation resumes after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for alarm. In this case, a surprise power surge is typically the reason.
However, you can’t avoid the problem if the breaker trips multiple times. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to power the blower motor and other parts. Before you schedule furnace repair, review the most likely reasons your furnace could be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can stop it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace work for a short time before flipping the breaker? This might be a result of poor airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw might overload the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore normal airflow and take care of the issue:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make certain none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a lone circuit, but this might not happen in older houses. Examine the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is running. A wiser, more lasting solution is to have an electrician install a new circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This could be a result of an electrical issue within the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or creates 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 be better off with an HVAC pro like Strogen's Service Experts to find and repair the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you exclude any issues with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the source. Loose connections or malfunctioning breakers may lead to finicky performance. If you have an older residence, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this situation, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace might keep tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to fix the problem by yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Strogen's Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the problem and suggest the required repair. We’re confident in our repair, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to request furnace repair, reach us at 603-923-4570 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.