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

Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and stressful, namely 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 sudden cause for alarm. In this case, a surprise 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 operate the blower motor and other parts. Before you arrange furnace repair, review the most likely reasons your furnace may be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it. 

1. Overworked Furnace 

Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before tripping the breaker? This can stem from poor 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 throw the breaker. Try these tips to restore consistent airflow and resolve the issue: 

• Swap out the air filter. 
• Open all air registers and make certain none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs. 
• Don’t place anything against the furnace or otherwise impede airflow into it. 

2. Overworked Circuit 

HVAC equipment should be on its own circuit, but this might not happen in older homes. Check 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 as soon as it starts? This is frequently an electrical problem within the furnace. An exposed wire might be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or leads to a ground fault if it touches a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can affect the electrical draw enough to trigger the circuit. You’ll want an HVAC pro like Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air to identify and fix the issue. 

4. Electrical Panel Problem 

If you rule out any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel could be the culprit. Shaky connections or damaged breakers can lead to inconsistent performance. If you own an older home, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or poorly installed. In this case, you need help from an electrician. 

Your furnace could continue tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to repair the issue yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and get in touch with Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the issue and suggest the needed repair. We’re proud of our work, so we support it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to request furnace repair, call us at 210-404-4233 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.