Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and stressful, namely if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker gets thrown once and normal operation returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for distress. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is probably the reason.
However, you can’t avoid the situation if the breaker flips again and again. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces count on electricity to operate the blower motor and other pieces. Before you arrange furnace repair, consider the most typical reasons your furnace might be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can stop it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace run for a brief time before flipping the breaker? This may point to limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw might overheat the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Try these tips to restore consistent airflow and fix the issue:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on a lone circuit, but this might not occur in older residences. Check the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is working. 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 flip the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This may be evidence of an electrical issue in the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can affect the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC pro like Levy & Son Service Experts to identify and resolve the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you eliminate any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel might be to blame. Lax connections or malfunctioning breakers might lead to finicky performance. If you have an older house, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this instance, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace could continue tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to remove the problem by yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and call Levy & Son Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the issue and advise the required repair. We’re proud of our service, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to arrange furnace repair, give us a call at 469-250-0932 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.