Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and worrisome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker trips once and average operation starts after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for concern. In this situation, an unforeseen power surge is probably the reason.
However, you can’t ignore the situation 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 power the blower motor and other components. Before you request furnace repair, double check the most typical reasons your furnace may be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace work for a brief time before flipping the breaker? This may be a result of weak airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The resulting electrical draw may overload the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Here are some tips to restore steady airflow and take care of the trouble:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make certain none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise reduce airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a lone circuit, but this may not be the case in older homes. Check 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 running. A wiser, more lasting solution is to have an electrician create a new circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This could be a result of an electrical malfunction inside the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can surge the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC professional like Pardee Service Experts to diagnose and fix the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you eliminate any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the culprit. Shaky connections or damaged breakers could lead to inconsistent performance. If you own an older residence, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this case, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace could continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to repair the problem by yourself. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Pardee Service Experts for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the problem and suggest the required repair. We’re confident in our work, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to schedule furnace repair, call us at 843-410-6103 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.