Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and troublesome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker gets thrown once and usual performance starts after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for alarm. In this case, an unforeseen power surge is typically the cause.
However, you can’t avoid the problem if the breaker gets thrown over and over. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces use electricity to power the blower motor and other parts. Before you arrange furnace repair, consider the most common reasons your furnace could be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace work for a short time before throwing the breaker? This may imply restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw can overwork the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Try these tips to restore unimpeded airflow and resolve 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. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on a dedicated circuit, but this might not occur in older homes. Inspect the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is running. A better, 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 right as it begins running? This may be evidence of an electrical issue within 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 touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can surge the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC specialist like Sunbeam Service Experts to identify and resolve the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you exclude any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the source. Lax connections or faulty breakers will sometimes lead to irregular performance. If you own an older residence, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this instance, you need help from an electrician.
Your furnace might continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to resolve the issue on your own. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and contact Sunbeam Service Experts for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the situation and advise the required repair. We’re proud of our work, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to schedule furnace repair, reach us at 716-427-6807 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.