Tripped circuit breakers are irritating and troublesome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker gets thrown once and average performance starts after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for concern. In this situation, an unforeseen power surge is typically the source.
However, you can’t avoid the problem if the breaker gets thrown repeatedly. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces count on electricity to operate the blower motor and other components. Before you arrange furnace repair, think about the most typical reasons your furnace would be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can handle it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace work for a short time before flipping the breaker? This can indicate reduced airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw may overload the system, strain the circuit andthrow the breaker. Try these tips to restore consistent airflow and take care of the issue:
- Change the air filter.
- Open all air registers and make sure none are blocked by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t leave anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.
2. Full Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on a lone circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Inspect the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is on. A better, more permanent solution is to have an electrician put in a new circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker right as it begins running? This could be a result of an electrical malfunction in 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 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 be better off with an HVAC professional like Falso Service Experts to find and resolve the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you exclude any problems with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the source. Lax connections or faulty breakers can lead to irregular performance. If you have an older home, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this instance, you need assistance from an electrician.
Your furnace may continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to repair the problem yourself. If this is the case, leave the furnace off and contact Falso Service Experts for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the problem and recommend the required repair. We’re proud of our work, 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 315-313-6531 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.