Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and troublesome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker shuts off once and usual function resumes after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for concern. In this situation, an unforeseen power surge is the most likely cause.
However, you can’t neglect the problem if the breaker trips again and again. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces count on electricity to run the blower motor and other parts. Before you request furnace repair, consider the most likely reasons your furnace could be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can stop it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace run for a brief time before throwing the breaker? This might be a result of limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw might overheat the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore unimpeded airflow and fix the problem:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on a dedicated circuit, but this might not happen in older houses. Review the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is in use. A wiser, more ongoing 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 may be evidence of an electrical problem within 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 want an HVAC professional like McKinley Heating Service Experts to find and fix the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you exclude any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the culprit. Poor connections or malfunctioning breakers might lead to erratic performance. If you live in an older house, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this situation, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace might continue tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to fix the situation by yourself. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and get in touch with McKinley Heating Service Experts for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the issue and suggest the necessary repair. We’re take pride in our work, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to request furnace repair, give us a call at 780-800-7092 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.