Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and stressful, especially if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker shuts off once and typical function starts after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for concern. In this situation, an unforeseen power surge is typically the source.
However, you can’t ignore the issue if the breaker flips over and over. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces rely on electricity to power the blower motor and other components. Before you request furnace repair, consider the most typical reasons your furnace might be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace work for a short time before flipping the breaker? This could be a result of restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw may overload the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Here are some tips to restore unimpeded airflow and resolve the problem:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on its own circuit, but this may not be the case in older residences. Review 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 using it while the furnace is running. A better, more lasting 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 may be evidence of an electrical issue inside the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can surge the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC professional like Barlow Service Experts to identify and repair the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you exclude any issues with your furnace, the electrical panel might be to blame. Lax connections or faulty breakers may lead to finicky performance. If you own an older house, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or poorly installed. In this situation, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace may continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to remove the situation by yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Barlow Service Experts for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the issue and recommend the needed repair. We’re take pride in our service, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to arrange furnace repair, reach us at 801-436-8985 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.