Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker trips once and usual performance resumes after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for unease. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is typically the reason.
However, you can’t ignore the issue if the breaker flips repeatedly. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces need electricity to operate the blower motor and other components. Before you arrange furnace repair, double check the most typical reasons your furnace could be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace work for a brief time before flipping the breaker? This may be a result of weak airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw might overheat the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore steady airflow and fix the issue:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make certain none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on its own circuit, but this might not occur in older residences. Inspect the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is on. A safer, 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 trip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This may be evidence of an electrical issue in the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can increase the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC pro like Strand Brothers Service Experts to identify and resolve the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you eliminate any problems with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the culprit. Poor connections or damaged breakers can lead to erratic performance. If you own an older residence, you may 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 might keep tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to repair the situation on your own. If this happens, leave the furnace off and contact Strand Brothers Service Experts for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the problem and suggest the needed repair. We’re confident in our repair, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to arrange furnace repair, call us at 512-592-3072 now.
*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.