Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and worrisome, namely if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker trips once and normal operation returns after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for unease. In this case, an unforeseen power surge is the most likely reason.
However, you can’t neglect the problem if the breaker trips again and again. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces use electricity to power the blower motor and other pieces. Before you request furnace repair, think about the most likely reasons your furnace could be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace work for a short time before tripping the breaker? This could point to reduced airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw could overload the system, strain the circuit andflip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore normal airflow and fix the trouble:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t lean anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on its own circuit, but this might not happen in older homes. Find the labels on your electrical panel to learn 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 lasting 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 as soon as it starts? This points to an electrical issue inside the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against 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 increase the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC pro like Parker Pearce Service Experts to diagnose and repair the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you eliminate any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the source. Loose connections or damaged breakers could lead to erratic performance. If you own an older home, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this instance, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace could keep tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to remove the problem on your own. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Parker Pearce Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the problem and suggest the needed repair. We’re confident in our repair, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to arrange furnace repair, give us a call at 301-476-4577 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.