4 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Throwing Your Circuit Breaker and How to Solve It

Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and stressful, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker trips once and typical function starts after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for alarm. In this instance, a surprise power surge is probably the reason. 

However, you can’t neglect the problem if the breaker gets thrown over and over. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces need electricity to operate the blower motor and other parts. Before you arrange furnace repair, review the most likely reasons your furnace may be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it. 

1. Overworked Furnace 

Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before throwing the breaker? This can indicate poor airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw can overwork the system, strain the circuit and trip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore normal airflow and resolve the issue: 

• Change the air filter. 
• Open all air registers and make certain none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs. 
• Don’t place anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it. 

2. Overworked Circuit 

HVAC equipment is best used on its own circuit, but this might not happen in older houses. Inspect 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 on. A better, more lasting solution is to have an electrician put in a new circuit for your HVAC system. 

3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault 

Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This is frequently an electrical issue within the furnace. An exposed wire might 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 affect the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC pro like Strand Brothers Service Experts to identify and fix the issue. 

4. Electrical Panel Trouble 

If you exclude any issues with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the culprit. Shaky connections or damaged breakers might lead to inconsistent performance. If you have an older house, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or poorly installed. In this instance, you need help from an electrician. 

Your furnace could keep tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to repair the issue on your own. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Strand Brothers Service Experts for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the problem and suggest the needed repair. We’re proud of our repair, so we stand behind 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.