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

Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and stressful, especially if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker shuts off once and typical performance starts after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for distress. In this situation, a surprise power surge is probably the cause. 

However, you can’t ignore the situation if the breaker gets thrown again and again. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces rely on electricity to operate the blower motor and other pieces. Before you request furnace repair, double check the most common reasons your furnace could be tripping the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it. 

1. Overheated Furnace 

Does your furnace run for a brief time before throwing the breaker? This may stem from restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw might overwork the system, strain the circuit and throw the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore proper airflow and take care of the problem: 

  • 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. Overloaded Circuit 

HVAC equipment should be on a lone circuit, but this might not occur in older homes. Find the labels on your electrical panel to learn if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is running. A wiser, more lasting solution is to have an electrician install a new circuit for your HVAC system. 

3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault 

Does your furnace flip the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This may be evidence of an electrical problem in the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can increase the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to find and resolve the issue. 

4. Electrical Panel Issue 

If you rule out any issues with your furnace, the electrical panel could be to blame. Loose connections or faulty breakers may lead to finicky performance. If you own an older home, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or inadequately installed. In this situation, you need help from an electrician. 

Your furnace could continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to fix the issue on your own. If this happens, leave the furnace off and contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the situation and recommend the necessary repair. We’re confident in our work, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more details about us, or to schedule furnace repair, reach us at 866-397-3787 today. 

*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.