Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and worrisome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker gets thrown once and regular function resumes after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for distress. In this instance, an unrelated power surge is the most likely reason.
However, you can’t neglect the issue if the breaker flips multiple times. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces need electricity to run the blower motor and other components. Before you schedule furnace repair, consider the most likely reasons your furnace may be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace start for a brief time before tripping the breaker? This may be a result of poor airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw can overheat the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore unimpeded airflow and fix the trouble:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make certain none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a dedicated circuit, but this might not occur in older residences. Review 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 using it while the furnace is in use. A better, more lasting solution is to have an electrician create a dedicated 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 problem in the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can affect the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC Expert like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to find and repair the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you rule out any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the culprit. Poor connections or damaged breakers will sometimes lead to erratic performance. If you own an older residence, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or poorly installed. In this instance, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace may keep tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to resolve the issue by yourself. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the problem and recommend the necessary repair. We’re proud of our service, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to schedule furnace repair, call us at 901-235-1196 right away.
*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.