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 gets thrown once and typical performance starts after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for alarm. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is probably the cause. 

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

1. Overloaded Furnace 

Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before throwing the breaker? This can stem from 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 throw the breaker. Try these tips to restore consistent airflow and resolve the issue: 

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

2. Overworked Circuit 

HVAC equipment does best on its own circuit, but this might not happen in older houses. Examine 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 create a new circuit for your HVAC system. 

3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault 

Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This is frequently an electrical problem within the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can affect the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC pro like Levy & Son Service Experts to identify and fix the issue. 

4. Electrical Panel Problem 

If you rule out any issues with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the culprit. Shaky connections or damaged breakers can lead to inconsistent performance. If you have an older home, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or inadequately installed. In this situation, you need help from an electrician. 

Your furnace could continue to trip the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to repair the issue on your own. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Levy & Son Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the situation and recommend the needed repair. We’re proud of our service, 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 469-250-0932 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.