Tripped circuit breakers are irritating and stressful, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker shuts off once and usual function returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for distress. In this instance, an unforeseen power surge is typically the source.
However, you can’t avoid the issue if the breaker trips again and again. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to operate the blower motor and other parts. Before you schedule furnace repair, double check the most typical reasons your furnace might be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace run for just a few minutes before throwing the breaker? This can stem from restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw may overwork the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore consistent airflow and resolve the issue:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise reduce airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on a dedicated circuit, but this may not be the case in older residences. Examine the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is in use. A smarter, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician put in 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 points to an electrical malfunction inside the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can affect the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC professional like Rolf Griffin Service Experts to identify and fix the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you eliminate any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel might be to blame. Poor connections or malfunctioning breakers will sometimes lead to finicky performance. If you own an older residence, you could 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 may keep tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to fix the issue by yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and contact Rolf Griffin Service Experts for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the situation and recommend the required repair. We’re confident in our service, 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 260-557-1275 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.