Tripped circuit breakers are irritating and stressful, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker trips once and usual operation starts after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for concern. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is typically the cause.
However, you can’t neglect the issue if the breaker flips over and over. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces depend on electricity to run the blower motor and other components. Before you schedule furnace repair, review the most typical reasons your furnace might be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace run for a short time before flipping the breaker? This can imply poor airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw can overheat the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore consistent airflow and fix the issue:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t put anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on its own circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Find the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is in use. A wiser, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician put in an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This may be evidence of an electrical problem within the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it reaches 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 specialist like TML Service Experts to diagnose and resolve the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Issue
If you exclude any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the culprit. Poor connections or damaged breakers will sometimes lead to finicky performance. If you have an older house, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or inadequately installed. In this instance, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace may continue to trip the circuit breaker despite your efforts to fix the issue yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and get in touch with TML Service Experts for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the situation and suggest the necessary repair. We’re confident in our service, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to arrange furnace repair, give us a call at 208-488-4892 today.
*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.