Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and worrisome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker trips once and normal operation starts after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for alarm. In this case, an unforeseen power surge is typically the cause.
However, you can’t neglect the situation if the breaker flips repeatedly. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces utilize electricity to power the blower motor and other parts. Before you schedule furnace repair, double check the most common reasons your furnace would be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace start for a short time before throwing the breaker? This could indicate limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw could overload the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Try these tips to restore steady airflow and resolve the issue:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make certain none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on a lone circuit, but this might not occur in older residences. Inspect the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is in use. A wiser, more permanent solution is to have an electrician install a new circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This points to an electrical problem in the furnace. An exposed wire might 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 problems can surge the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC specialist like Stark Services to diagnose and fix the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you rule out any problems with your furnace, the electrical panel may be to blame. Poor connections or malfunctioning breakers may lead to inconsistent performance. If you own an older house, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or inadequately installed. In this instance, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace may continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to resolve the situation yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Stark Services for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the issue and advise the necessary repair. We’re take pride in our service, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to request furnace repair, reach us at 817-668-6689 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.