Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and stressful, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker trips once and regular performance starts after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for unease. In this case, a surprise power surge is typically the reason.
However, you can’t avoid the problem if the breaker trips over and over. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces depend on electricity to power the blower motor and other parts. Before you request furnace repair, review the most typical reasons your furnace would be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before throwing the breaker? This can stem from restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw could overload the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Try these tips to restore normal airflow and take care of the issue:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a dedicated circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Examine 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 operating it while the furnace is in use. A safer, more permanent solution is to have an electrician put in a dedicated circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This could be a result of an electrical issue in the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can surge the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC professional like Peachtree Service Experts to identify and repair the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you exclude any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the culprit. Shaky connections or faulty breakers might lead to inconsistent performance. If you have an older residence, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or inadequately installed. In this situation, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace might keep tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to fix the issue yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Peachtree Service Experts for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the problem and advise the needed repair. We’re confident in our work, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to arrange furnace repair, call us at 678-235-9699 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.