4 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Throwing Your Circuit Breaker and How to Solve It

Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker gets thrown once and usual performance starts after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for concern. In this instance, an unforeseen power surge is probably the reason.

However, you can’t avoid the situation if the breaker flips multiple times. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces depend on electricity to operate the blower motor and other pieces. Before you request furnace repair, review the most common reasons your furnace might be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it.

1. Overheated Furnace

Does your furnace start for just a few minutes before flipping the breaker? This could point to weak airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw may overload the system, strain the circuit and throw the breaker. Try these tips to restore proper airflow and take care of the problem:

• • Change the air filter.

• • Open all air registers and ensure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.

• • Don’t place 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 homes. Inspect the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is running. A safer, more lasting solution is to have an electrician put in an individual circuit for your HVAC system.

3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault

Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This may be evidence of an electrical problem within the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can affect the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to uncover and resolve the problem.

4. Electrical Panel Trouble

If you exclude any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the source. Shaky connections or faulty breakers might lead to erratic performance. If you own an older home, 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 could keep tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to resolve the issue on your own. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the situation and recommend the necessary repair. We’re confident in our repair, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to schedule furnace repair, call us at 866-397-3787 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.