Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and troublesome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker trips once and normal performance returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for alarm. In this instance, a surprise power surge is typically the source.
However, you can’t avoid the issue if the breaker flips multiple times. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces need electricity to power the blower motor and other parts. Before you arrange furnace repair, review the most common reasons your furnace would be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can stop it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace run for just a few minutes before tripping the breaker? This could stem from limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw may overwork the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Try these tips to restore normal airflow and fix the trouble:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on its own circuit, but this may not be the case in older homes. Inspect the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is on. A smarter, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician put in a new 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 in the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can affect the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC Expert like Gordon's Service Experts to diagnose and repair the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you exclude any issues with your furnace, the electrical panel may be to blame. Lax connections or damaged breakers might lead to erratic performance. If you live in an older house, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or incorrectly installed.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 could continue tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to resolve the issue yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Gordon's Service Experts for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the situation and recommend the necessary repair. We’re proud of our service, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to schedule furnace repair, call us at 405-432-2197 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.