4 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Throwing Your Circuit Breaker and How to Solve It

Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and worrisome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker shuts off once and usual function returns after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for unease. In this situation, a surprise power surge is the most likely reason. 

However, you can’t ignore the problem if the breaker gets thrown multiple times. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces depend on electricity to operate the blower motor and other pieces. Before you request furnace repair, review the most common reasons your furnace might be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it. 

1. Overworked Furnace 

Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before tripping the breaker? This may point to restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw may overheat the system, strain the circuit and trip the breaker. Try these tips to restore normal airflow and fix the trouble: 

  • Change the air filter. 
  • Open all air registers and ensure none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs. 
  • Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise reduce airflow into it. 

2. Overloaded Circuit 

HVAC equipment does best on a dedicated circuit, but this may not be the case in older residences. Inspect the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is in use. A smarter, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician install a new circuit for your HVAC system. 

3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault 

Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This points to an electrical malfunction within the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can affect the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to uncover and resolve the trouble. 

4. Electrical Panel Problem 

If you eliminate any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel could be to blame. Shaky connections or damaged breakers might lead to irregular performance. If you live in an older home, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or inadequately installed. In this situation, you need assistance from an electrician. 

Your furnace may continue to trip the circuit breaker despite your efforts to resolve the situation by yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the problem and advise the required repair. We’re confident in our repair, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to arrange furnace repair, reach us at 954-736-4314 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. 

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