Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and stressful, namely if it seems like the furnace is the cause. If your breaker trips once and regular function resumes after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for alarm. In this instance, a surprise power surge is probably the source.
However, you can’t neglect the situation if the breaker trips repeatedly. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces require electricity to operate the blower motor and other parts. Before you arrange furnace repair, review the most typical reasons your furnace may be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace run for a brief time before flipping the breaker? This may imply reduced airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw can overwork the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore consistent airflow and resolve the issue:
- Replace the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t lean anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment should be 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 temporary precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is working. A smarter, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician install a dedicated circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This points to an electrical malfunction within the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can surge the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC specialist like Orangutan Home Services to identify and resolve the trouble.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you exclude any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel may be to blame. Lax connections or damaged breakers might lead to erratic performance. If you have an older home, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or poorly installed. In this case, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace could keep tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to repair the issue yourself. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and reach out to Orangutan Home Services for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the situation and recommend 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 request furnace repair, give us a call at 602-906-0111 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.