4 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Tripping Your Circuit Breaker and How to Solve It

Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and stressful, namely 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 sudden cause for alarm. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is probably the source. 

However, you can’t neglect the issue if the breaker gets thrown over and over. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces use electricity to run the blower motor and other parts. Before you schedule furnace repair, review the most typical reasons your furnace may be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it. 

1. Overloaded Furnace 

Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before throwing the breaker? This can point to limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw can overwork the system, strain the circuit and trip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore normal airflow and resolve the issue: 

• Replace 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 impede airflow into it. 

2. Overworked Circuit 

HVAC equipment is best used on its own circuit, but this might not happen in older houses. Review the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is on. A better, more lasting solution is to have an electrician put in a new circuit for your HVAC system. 

3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault 

Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This is frequently an electrical malfunction in the furnace. An exposed wire may be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can affect the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC pro like Midway Services to identify and fix the issue. 

4. Electrical Panel Problem 

If you exclude any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the culprit. Shaky connections or damaged breakers might lead to inconsistent performance. If you have an older house, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or poorly installed. In this situation, you need assistance from an electrician. 

Your furnace could continue to trip the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to repair the issue yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Midway Services for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the issue and advise the needed repair. We’re proud of our repair, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to schedule furnace repair, call us at 727-219-2471 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.