Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and worrisome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker gets thrown once and typical operation starts after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for unease. In this case, an unrelated power surge is the most likely reason.
However, you can’t avoid the situation if the breaker gets thrown again and again. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces rely on electricity to operate the blower motor and other components. Before you request furnace repair, consider the most common reasons your furnace may be blowing the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it.
1. Overheated Furnace
Does your furnace work for a brief time before tripping the breaker? This can point to weak airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw may overwork the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Try these tips to restore normal airflow and take care of the issue:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make certain none are obstructed by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t place anything against the furnace or otherwise block airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment is best used on its own circuit, but this might not happen in older residences. 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 using it while the furnace is working. A better, more lasting solution is to have an electrician install 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 problem within the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can surge the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC specialist like Peitz Service Experts to find and resolve the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you eliminate any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel may be to blame. Poor connections or faulty breakers can lead to erratic performance. If you have an older residence, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this situation, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace could continue to trip the circuit breaker despite your efforts to fix the issue yourself. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and contact Peitz Service Experts for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the situation and recommend the required repair. We’re proud of our service, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to arrange furnace repair, call us at 605-223-0307 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.