Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and worrisome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker trips once and average performance returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for unease. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is probably the source.
However, you can’t neglect the problem if the breaker trips multiple times. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces use electricity to power the blower motor and other components. Before you arrange furnace repair, think about the most typical reasons your furnace could be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace run for just a few minutes before tripping the breaker? This might imply weak airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw may overload the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore unimpeded airflow and take care of the problem:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t lean anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on its own circuit, but this might not happen in older homes. Find the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is on. A better, more permanent solution is to have an electrician install an individual 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 inside the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or leads to 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 flip the circuit. You’ll need an HVAC pro like Becht/Givens Service Experts to uncover and fix the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you exclude any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the culprit. Poor connections or damaged breakers will sometimes lead to irregular performance. If you have an older house, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or inadequately installed. In this case, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace may continue tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to resolve the problem on your own. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and reach out to Becht/Givens Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the situation and advise the required repair. We’re take pride in our repair, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to schedule furnace repair, give us a call at 502-785-8230 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.