Tripped circuit breakers are aggravating and troublesome, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker trips once and usual function starts after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for alarm. In this instance, an unforeseen power surge is the most likely source.
However, you can’t ignore the situation if the breaker flips multiple times. This may 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, think about the most likely reasons your furnace may be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.
1. Overloaded Furnace
Does your furnace start for a short time before flipping the breaker? This may imply weak airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw may overload the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore steady airflow and fix the problem:
- 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 block airflow into it.
2. Overloaded Circuit
HVAC equipment should be on a lone circuit, but this might not occur in older houses. Check the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is working. A safer, more permanent solution is to have an electrician create a dedicated circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This is frequently an electrical issue inside the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it reaches a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can affect the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC pro like BW/Cook Service Experts to find and resolve the issue.
4. Electrical Panel Problem
If you exclude any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the source. Shaky connections or faulty breakers can lead to inconsistent performance. If you have an older home, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or poorly installed. In this case, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace may keep tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to repair the problem yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and get in touch with BW/Cook Service Experts for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the situation and advise the required repair. We’re confident in our service, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to arrange furnace repair, give us a call at 574-218-6404 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.