Furnaces, if they receive annual maintenance in the fall, will run with few problems during each winter. However, repair problems can still crop up, and one of the more common ones is when the furnace causes a circuit breaker to trip. This will cause the furnace to stop working until the breaker is reset. Sometimes this will only happen once.
But if the furnace continues to trip the circuit breaker, there might be something wrong with the furnace or the electrical panel that will require professionals.
Yes, this applies to gas furnaces
If you read the first paragraph and thought, “I have a gas furnace, so this won’t happen to me,” we’ve got some news for you. A gas furnace needs electrical power for some of its vital components, such as the blower fan motor and (for newer furnaces) the electronic ignition system. Your gas furnace is as likely to trip a circuit breaker as an electric furnace.
Why a furnace might trip a circuit breaker
The usual reason for a furnace to overload a circuit is because the blower fan is overloaded. This is the major electrical component on most furnaces, and if there’s excess strain it can trip a breaker.
The most likely source for an overloaded blower is a clogged air filter. The filter picks up dirt and debris over time, and after 1 to 3 months of work (depending on the filter type) it will be clogged enough that it will force the blower to work harder. Change the filter, reset the breaker, and try the furnace again.
If the furnace still trips the breaker after this, the problem could be blocked vents in the rooms or leaks in the ductwork. The issues could also be with the electrical panel or another appliance on the same circuit. You need to talk to furnace repair professionals to get to the root of the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why does my furnace keep tripping the circuit breaker?
Answer: A furnace may repeatedly trip its breaker when the blower motor is overloaded or another electrical problem is causing excessive strain. A clogged air filter, blocked vents, duct leaks, electrical panel issues, or another appliance sharing the circuit can all contribute.
Question: Can a dirty furnace filter cause the breaker to trip?
Answer: Yes, a clogged filter restricts airflow and forces the blower motor to work harder than normal, which can overload the circuit. Replacing the filter and resetting the breaker may solve the problem if airflow restriction was the main cause.
Question: Can a gas furnace trip a circuit breaker?
Answer: Yes, gas furnaces still depend on electricity to operate important components such as the blower fan motor and electronic ignition system. Because of these electrical parts, a gas furnace can trip a breaker just like an electric furnace.
Question: Is it safe to keep resetting a furnace circuit breaker?
Answer: A breaker that trips once may have experienced a temporary issue, but repeated trips should not be ignored. If the furnace trips the breaker again after a reset, a heating professional should inspect the system and electrical circuit.
Question: When should I call a professional for a furnace that keeps tripping the breaker?
Answer: Call a professional if changing a dirty filter and checking for blocked vents does not stop the breaker from tripping. The problem may involve the furnace, ductwork, electrical panel, or another device on the same circuit and requires proper diagnosis.
Red Rock Mechanical LLC is your source for heating repair and other heating services in Burlington, VT and the Plattsburgh, NY area.
