Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and worrisome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker trips once and average performance resumes after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for distress. In this situation, a surprise power surge is probably the reason.
However, you can’t ignore the problem if the breaker gets thrown repeatedly. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to run the blower motor and other parts. Before you request furnace repair, review the most common reasons your furnace may be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace run for just a few minutes before tripping the breaker? This may imply poor airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw could overheat the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore proper airflow and fix the issue:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make certain none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on a lone circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Check the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is in use. A safer, 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 trigger the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This points to an electrical problem within the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can surge the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll need an HVAC Expert like Roy Inch & Sons Home Services by Enercare to identify and repair the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you eliminate any issues with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the culprit. Poor connections or damaged breakers could lead to inconsistent performance. If you have an older residence, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or poorly installed. In this situation, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace could continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to repair the situation on your own. If this happens, leave the furnace off and reach out to Roy Inch & Sons Home Services by Enercare for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the situation and suggest the necessary repair. We’re take pride in our work, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to arrange furnace repair, give us a call at 226-270-1164 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.