Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and stressful, especially if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker gets thrown once and typical operation starts after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for unease. In this instance, an unforeseen power surge is the most likely cause.
However, you can’t neglect the issue if the breaker trips multiple times. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces utilize electricity to operate the blower motor and other pieces. Before you request furnace repair, consider the most common reasons your furnace may be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace start for just a few minutes before flipping the breaker? This could stem from restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw can overload the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore proper airflow and fix the issue:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on its own circuit, but this might not happen in older houses. Review the labels on your electrical panel to learn 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 in use. A better, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician create an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This points to an electrical malfunction in the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can increase the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC Expert like Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts to uncover and repair the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you exclude any problems with your furnace, the electrical panel could be to blame. Poor connections or faulty breakers can lead to inconsistent performance. If you own an older home, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or poorly installed. In this situation, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace could continue to trip the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to repair the issue yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and reach out to Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the situation and advise the required 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, reach us at 226-773-3357 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.