Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and worrisome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker trips once and regular operation starts after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for alarm. In this situation, a surprise power surge is the most likely source.
However, you can’t ignore the situation if the breaker trips over and over. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces use electricity to operate the blower motor and other parts. Before you request furnace repair, consider the most typical reasons your furnace may be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace start for just a few minutes before tripping the breaker? This might indicate limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw can overload the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Try these tips to restore normal airflow and resolve the issue:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t place anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a lone circuit, but this may not be the case in older residences. Examine the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is running. A safer, more permanent solution is to have an electrician put in an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This is frequently an electrical malfunction inside the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can surge the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll need an HVAC professional like Coastal Service Experts to uncover and resolve the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you eliminate any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the culprit. Lax connections or malfunctioning breakers could lead to erratic performance. If you have an older house, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or inadequately installed. In this situation, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace might continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to fix the issue by yourself. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Coastal Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the issue and suggest the needed repair. We’re proud of our repair, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to schedule furnace repair, give us a call at 912-208-2399 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.