Hart Home Comfort

5 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

image of homeowner at circuit breaker box after furnace blows circuit

You may not know this but furnaces actually require a bit of electricity to properly function. If your power goes out, so too can your furnace, leaving you and your family ill-equipped to suffer the elements. Most of the time, the furnace can simply be reset after a sudden trip of the breaker. This is not always the case though. If the furnace trips circuit breaker then you may have a larger problem on your hands. This may lead to a safety concern and you should have a professional HVAC company come out to inspect the unit for problems. Continue reading to become more familiar with these types of problems.

Why Is Power Required To Run My Furnace Anyway?

Table of Contents

  • 1.1 Blower Motor
  • 1.2 Electronic Ignition
  • 2.1 1. Your Furnace Filter Is Dirty
  • 2.2 2. Your Registers Or Air Vents May Be Blocked
  • 2.3 3. Your Furnace Motor Itself Is Defective
  • 2.4 4. The Air Ducts In Your Home Are Leaking
  • 2.5 5. Your Electrical Panel Needs A Repair
  • 2.6 6. You Have An Overloaded, Shared Circuit
  • 3 Call Hart Home Comfort For All Of Your Home Heating Requirements

Your furnace uses a fuel source such as heating oil, propane, or natural gas to heat your home. However, there are certain aspects of the furnace that require electricity. Without it, the furnace will not be able to function properly. Your furnace must receive a continuous flow of power for peak performance.

Specifically, two components of your furnace require power. These include the blower motor and the electronic ignition.

Blower Motor

Every furnace has a blower motor. This component is responsible for dispersing the heated air throughout your home. Without this device (or without electricity to power the device), the heated air would be unable to travel far from the furnace itself. This will leave the remainder of your home cold.

Electronic Ignition

turning on breaker box after furnace blows fuse

Although there is a possibility that you may have an older furnace, which uses a pilot light to ignite, most furnaces these days are equipped with an electronic ignition. This is much more reliable but is also dependent on a power source, without one, you will be unable to turn on the furnace.

It is not a normal occurrence for a furnace to continuously trip a circuit breaker and if this is happening, it is important to distinguish the cause and formulate a plan to address the issue.

6 Possible Reasons Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

There are multiple reasons why your furnace may be tripping your circuit breaker. Let’s go over 6 common ones.

1. Your Furnace Filter Is Dirty

image of a homeowner replacing an hvac air filter to improve indoor air quality

When the air filter in your HVAC system is clogged, it prevents free airflow. This, in turn, causes your system to use additional power to heat your home. When this happens, it is possible for the circuit breaker to trip due to the excess use of power.

Solution: This is easy to remedy by simply checking your HVAC air filters regularly. The best practice is to check your air filter every month and replace them whenever you find they are dirty.

2. Your Registers Or Air Vents May Be Blocked

hands in front of hvac air vents

Similarly to dirty air filters, blocked air vents or registers can also cause your furnace to consume more power than usual to heat your home. Do an inspection of your home and move anything that may be blocking these features such as; large pieces of furniture, clothing, or other cloth material or anything that looks like it may be preventing the airflow of your vent or register.

Solution: Again, this is an easy issue to prevent by simply ensuring that all your vents are free of anything that obstructs the airflow.

3. Your Furnace Motor Itself Is Defective

It is possible that over time, your furnace motor wiring has been affected due to wear and tear. This can easily cause the circuit breaker to trip. If you suspect that this is the issue, call an HVAC company right away to replace the motor. Regularly maintain the furnace to prevent this from occurring in the future.

Solution: It is important to find a professional HVAC specialist once a defect is discovered or suspected. You may feel inclined to reach out to someone less qualified to save a bit of money. However, many times these individuals create larger issues that require additional work and money in the future.

4. The Air Ducts In Your Home Are Leaking

image of leaking hvac ductwork

When your HVAC system has leaky air ducts, the heated air is continuously escaping, causing your furnace to work harder than usual to heat your home. Anytime your system has to work harder than usual, the possibility of tripping your circuit breaker exists.

Solution: If you suspect that your HVAC ductwork is leaking, call an HVAC expert right away as well. Ductwork can be extremely difficult to care for if you are not an expert and a well-qualified HVAC specialist can easily address your concerns quickly.

5. Your Electrical Panel Needs A Repair

There are times when the issue may have absolutely nothing to do with your furnace itself. In these situations, you will need to call an electrician to inspect your electrical panel to make sure there are no deficiencies there. If there are, they will need to repair them in order for the furnace to function properly.

Solution:  Call a licensed electrician to examine your electrical panel. They will be able to determine if your panel needs a repair for all of the electrical appliances to operate safely in your home.

6. You Have An Overloaded, Shared Circuit

image of furnace with a circuit overload

A lot of power is needed to run your furnace and if you have too many things connected to the same circuit, it very well may continue to trip. You should have your furnace connected to its own exclusive circuit to prevent things like appliance, tools, or lights from tripping the breaker.

Solution:  Call a licensed electrician to inspect your electrical panel. They will be able to determine if your panel is working as expected or if it needs a repair. Likewise, they will be able to

With all that being said, circuit breaker trips, whether they are due to the furnace or not, can be very dangerous. You should always address the issues as soon as possible to prevent fires or other major problems.

Call Hart Home Comfort For All Of Your Home Heating Requirements

hart-logo

When you need heating system repair or replacement, you can feel confident that you are in good hands with Hart Home Comfort . We offer one of the affordable HVAC services in the area. Need a replacement system? No worries. We can help you find the make and model most suitable for your needs while keeping your budget in mind. Your home comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality are our priority. Book an appointment, and give us a call today for a free, in-home consultation.

For any questions about what Hart Home Comfort can do for you, give us a call today.  Click here  to contact us now or call us at  (631) 667-3200  to find out more!

ClickCease

Why is my Furnace tripping my Circuit Breaker?

  • November 3, 2023

Home » Blog » Why is my Furnace tripping my Circuit Breaker?

There are few things more frustrating than dealing with a tripped circuit breaker—especially in the middle of a frigid winter night. You crank up the thermostat expecting that beautiful heat to flow, only to be met with dead air and darkness. 

If your furnace is the culprit behind those breaker trips, it’s definitely cause for concern. From overloaded circuits to failing components, several issues could be triggering that shutoff safety mechanism. 

Don’t panic just yet though! This guide will walk through some of the most common furnace tripwire causes, DIY troubleshooting steps you can try, and when it’s time to call in professional backup.

Old furnace with failed circuit board

Confirming the Culprit

Before getting too far down the rabbit hole, let’s make sure we’re actually dealing with a furnace issue behind those pesky breaker trips. Pay attention for some pretty clear signs it’s your heating system causing the circuit overloads:

Signs That It’s Your Furnace Tripping the Breaker

  • The circuit breaker trips immediately when the furnace kicks on or while it’s actively running. If the breaker holds steady until the furnace starts doing its thing, that’s a red flag.
  • Resetting the tripped breaker leads to an almost instant re-trip once you try firing up the furnace again.
  • You’ve ruled out other major appliances on that same circuit by unplugging them. If the breaker no longer trips with those disconnected, the furnace is the likely overload.

How to Isolate the Issue

While those signs make the furnace highly suspect, it’s still a good idea to take a few extra steps and positively isolate it as the root cause:

First, unplug or disconnect any other electrical devices or appliances sharing the furnace’s circuit that could potentially be adding to the load. Hair dryers, portable heaters, air purifiers – anything that draws significant amperage.

Next, check for any dedicated furnace circuits in your home’s electrical panel. Some systems require multiple 240V circuits, so you’ll want to identify and test each one independently to pinpoint the offender.

If the breaker automatically trips even when the furnace is the only thing running on a given circuit, you’ve got your confirmation. But if it holds steady with everything else disconnected, you may actually have an issue with another appliance or electrical fault causing those breaker trips.

Either way, narrowing it down to the furnace circuit puts you one step closer to diagnosing the root issue. From there, it’s time to take a look at some of the most common furnace-related reasons for those breaker overloads.

Common Furnace-Related Causes for Breaker Trips

There are actually several different potential reasons why your furnace may be the one tripping your circuit breakers over and over. From excessive electrical draws to internal component failures, it’s important to understand the most common culprits. 

Identifying the root cause is key to getting your heating system operating safely and reliably again. Let’s go over some of the primary furnace issues that tend to overload circuits and explain why they trigger those breaker trips.

High Initial Current Draw 

Many furnaces, especially older models, tend to draw an extremely high amount of electrical current when first firing up after a period of inactivity. This intense initial amp load can easily overload and trip circuit breakers not rated for that short-term surge. While it may only last a few seconds, that burst puts significant strain on your electrical system.

Overloaded Circuit 

As mentioned earlier, if your furnace shares its circuit with multiple other appliances and devices, you run the risk of the total combined electrical load exceeding that breaker’s rated amperage. This becomes especially problematic with older homes that don’t have dedicated HVAC circuits installed per modern code requirements. An overloaded circuit will inevitably lead to breaker trips.

Short Circuit in Furnace Wiring 

Any kind of short circuit condition within the furnace’s internal wiring network essentially creates an easy path for electrical current to rapidly spike out of control. This intense amperage overload forces the circuit breaker to trip as a safety mechanism before that short can potentially start an electrical fire. Damaged or frayed wiring insulation often causes shorts.

Ground Fault 

Similar to shorts, ground faults create an abnormal path for electrical current within the system, leading to hazardous conditions that cause breaker trips. This usually stems from wiring issues like deteriorated insulation allowing current to ground out improperly. Rapidly fluctuating amp loads tend to overload breakers before eventual burnouts or fire risks develop.

Faulty Components 

Many of a furnace’s electrical components like the blower motor, transformer, or igniter draw significant amounts of amperage, especially as they age. When those components start to mechanically bind up or electrically short out internally, it places an excessive load on the circuit until the breaker inevitably gives way as a protective measure.

Improper Installation 

If the furnace wasn’t installed correctly with properly rated circuit breakers and gauge wiring, you’ll inevitably run into tripped breakers. Oversized breakers can allow dangerous overdrawing, while undersized ones can’t handle even normal electrical loads. Having your system inspected by certified HVAC professionals is crucial to avoid these installation pitfalls.

Dirty or Clogged Filters

While it may seem unrelated, excessively dirty or clogged air filters create restricted airflow that forces furnace components like the blower motor to work much harder. This increased strain leads to higher amperage draws that can potentially overload circuits never intended for that level of electrical consumption over time.

Aging Wiring 

As electrical wiring ages, insulation can become dried out and brittle, or sustained damage accumulates, leading to short circuits or grounding issues. Older aluminum wiring has additional problems with increased resistance that causes more heat buildup. These factors place greater loads on aging circuits until their breakers inevitably throw due to being overwhelmed.

As you can see, furnaces and circuit breakers have a delicate push-pull relationship when it comes to managing electrical loads properly. From high-current components and wiring issues to airflow blockages and simple circuit overloads – there are numerous ways that heating systems can disrupt electrical circuits to the point of causing breaker trips. 

Understanding these common underlying causes at least provides a helpful starting point for troubleshooting. With some basic safety steps and strategic repairs or upgrades, it’s very possible to restore balanced operation between your furnace and electrical panel.

While professional HVAC service is highly recommended for many electrical issues, there are some DIY fixes and troubleshooting steps you can take to potentially resolve minor furnace breaker trips. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and avoid any work beyond your personal skill level to mitigate risks of injury, further damage, or code violations.

Start with the Basics

Before attempting any hands-on repairs, begin with resetting the tripped breaker and/or turning the furnace power switch off and back on to clear any minor overload conditions. Often a momentary electrical spike or circuit overheating is alleviated by cutting power temporarily.

Check Air Filters

Extremely dirty or clogged air filters force HVAC components like blower motors to work harder, increasing electrical loads. Replace or properly clean furnace filters if airflow appears obstructed.

Inspect Accessible Wiring

With the furnace unplugged or shut off at the service switch, you can visually inspect any accessible wiring connections and cables for signs of damage, fraying, or deterioration that may cause short circuits. However, avoid touching or disturbing electrical wiring.

Clear the Furnace Area

Remove combustibles or clutter surrounding the furnace and ensure there’s adequate clearance on all sides for proper airflow and access. Obstructions and poor ventilation can increase electrical loads.

Unless you’re highly experienced with electrical and furnace systems, it’s best to avoid more invasive DIY repairs like:

  • Replacing faulty electrical components
  • Adjusting furnace wiring connections
  • Upgrading circuit breakers or panel work
  • Adding dedicated furnace circuits

These tasks pose significant safety risks if performed improperly and often require code adherence. Leaving major repairs to certified HVAC professionals is strongly recommended.

Safety First

Always prioritize safety when attempting furnace DIY work. Power off systems fully, never bypass safety switches, use appropriate PPE, and have working fire extinguishers on hand. If you encounter any uncertainty, your safest option is to request professional service before potential hazards develop further.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes even your best DIY troubleshooting efforts won’t be enough to solve those pesky furnace breaker trips. Knowing when to wave the white flag and call in the pros is just as important as trying to fix it yourself in the first place. You don’t want to create an unsafe situation or cause more damage through trial and error.

Persistent Breaker Trips

If you’ve tried the basic steps like resetting breakers, checking filters, and clearing the area but that circuit just keeps tripping shortly after the furnace kicks on – it’s probably time to get some expert eyes on the issue. Persistent breaker failures despite your best efforts point to an underlying electrical or mechanical issue that needs proper diagnosis.

Visible Damage

Any visible signs of damage to the furnace’s wiring should also be an immediate prompt to make that service call. We’re talking exposed conductors, scorched or melted insulation, or cables that just look sketchy. Faulty wiring creates huge safety hazards when it comes to potential short circuits or fire risks down the road. Best to leave anything electrical to licensed professionals.

Component Replacement

The same goes for situations where you suspect a major furnace component like the blower motor, hot surface igniter, or control board needs replacement. While you might be tempted to try swapping out that part yourself, there’s an art to properly sizing, wiring, and integrating replacements that requires training and expertise. You don’t want to void warranties or create other issues through improper installation.

Aging Equipment

If your furnace itself is just plain old and outdated – like 15 years or more of hard service under its belt – you may simply have an obsolescence issue on your hands. Aging equipment inevitably brings about electrical baggage in the form of deteriorating safety components, wiring insulation breakdowns, and the like. At that point, it’s often more cost-effective to look at replacement rather than wrestling with repeated repair bandaids.

Emergency Situations

And of course, any situations involving burning smells or visible smoke should prompt an immediate shutdown of the system and emergency call for professional service. Electrical fires are no joke, so it’s better to be safe than sorry if you notice those warning signs.

Speaking of safety, that should ultimately be the guiding principle here. If you’ve reached a point in troubleshooting your furnace where you feel uncomfortable, out of your depths, or just plain uncertain of what to do next – walk away and get the experts involved. There’s never any shame in knowing your limits, especially when it comes to complicated electrical systems and equipment that could easily become hazardous with the wrong moves.

At the end of the day, while a little DIY know-how is always empowering, your health and home’s safety should take priority over potential repair savings. Most reputable HVAC companies offer affordable service plans and emergency response to quickly get things resolved properly. When it comes to something as critical as your furnace, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t Let Furnace Breaker Trips Leave You Out in the Cold

There’s nothing quite like feeling that winter chill start to creep in when the furnace suddenly stops working. You check the thermostat, giving it a fidgety adjustment or two, hoping to kick that trusty heating system back into gear. But alas, those circuit breakers keep stubbornly tripping instead of warm air flowing.

Before you resign yourself to a frosty household, know that identifying and resolving common furnace issues behind breaker trips is absolutely doable. Whether it’s an overloaded circuit, aging components drawing excessive current, or simply a system that’s started showing its age, there are troubleshooting steps you can take.

For the do-it-yourselfers out there, start with the easy wins – swapping air filters, checking for airflow obstructions, or giving breakers a manual reset. Oftentimes simple maintenance addresses temporary overload situations. But don’t go getting overzealous with anything electrical or wiring-related beyond your skill level. Safety has to be the top priority.

If those basic steps don’t get your furnace playing nice with that breaker again, or you ever feel in over your head, know when to call in the professionals at BelRed. As the Seattle-Everett area’s go-to home services experts since way back in 1986, we’ve pretty much seen it all when it comes to heating systems and electrical gremlins.

Our certified technicians excel at quickly diagnosing root causes and developing innovative solutions to restore steady, reliable heat distribution. We also prioritize open communication and education so you understand all options. At BelRed, your family’s comfort and peace of mind are what truly matter.

Don’t let tripped breakers or a misbehaving furnace leave you out in the cold any longer than necessary. Give our team a call at (855) 345-6161 and let’s get that heating system running like a dream again! Reliable warmth and exceptional service – it’s what BelRed has delivered for over 35 years.

What Our Clients Say

Dustin H. Nick E., and Cody M. installed our new heat pump in a professional manner: All work was done as promised and onschedule. All three technicians deserve a 5 star rating.

Russ H was here today and fixed a problem that I had with my A/C. I’ve had several people coming before and never had success but he took the time and his great knowledge and fixed my problem. I would love to thank him for that a million times! Jill Motaman

Ray B and Nick E did an excellent job installing our new furnace. I was also pleased with the service that I received from Jake the day before regarding the inspection of the heating system and recommendations for correcting the problems we were having.

Great experience from start to finish. Richard was able to provide several options for water heater replacement that included replacement, upgrade and enhancement options. Installation was quick and neatly done. You’d never have known someone just did a replacement and installation. I think the area was cleaner after he left than before he got there.

FROM THE BLOG

Want to learn more about heating and cooling? We’ve got you covered.

BelRed Energy Locally Owned

Stay Empowered: How Home Standby Generators Keep You Prepared for Power Outages

Are you prepared for unexpected power outages? Discover the crucial role of home standby generators in ensuring continuous power, safety,

ComfortLink™ II XL950

Why is my Furnace blowing Cold Air?

There’s no bigger buzzkill than firing up your furnace on a frigid winter day only to be met with an

Clean Air

Why is changing the Furnace Filter regularly so important for the HVAC System?

We’ve been told time and again, that changing your air filter regularly is highly important. But have you ever wondered

Authorized Dealers

Rheem

Wilcox Energy

Every furnace is dependent in part upon electricity for normal operation. Consequently, if the circuit breaker trips, your home heating equipment can come to a stop. Your entire household will be vulnerable to the cold. Simply resetting the furnace should be sufficient for restoring normal functioning if this is the result of a rare surge in power. If the furnace trips circuit breaker repeatedly, however, then resetting the circuit breaker isn’t going to suffice. Consequently, this is a potentially dangerous problem that warrants a much deeper inspection. You have to identify the source of the issue and arrive at the proper, permanent solution by working with an HVAC expert. Keep reading to learn more about this common home heating problem.

Why Does My Home Furnace Require Electricity?

  • 1.1 The Blower Motor In Your Home Furnace
  • 1.2 Electric Ignition
  • 2.1 1. The Furnace Filter Is Clogged
  • 2.2 2. Air Registers Or Events That Are Blocked
  • 2.3 3. Your Furnace Motor Is Having Issues
  • 2.4 4. Leaky HVAC Ductwork
  • 2.5 5. You Need To Repair Your Electric Panel
  • 2.6 6. You Have A Shared Circuit That’s Overloaded
  • 3.1 1. Take A Look At The Air Filter
  • 3.2 2. Check To Ensure That The HVAC Air Registers or Vents Aren’t Obstructed
  • 3.3 3. Schedule A Professional Ductwork Inspection By Contacting A Local HVAC Contractor
  • 3.4 4. Call An HVAC Company To Schedule Necessary Furnace Repairs
  • 3.5 Conclusion
  • 4 Get Trusted Furnace Services By Calling Wilcox Energy

Even though a furnace largely relies on fuel for heating the indoor air, several components do need electricity. Therefore, turning the power supply off will prevent the entire system from functioning as it should. It has to have uninterrupted electricity for truly superior results.

The Blower Motor In Your Home Furnace

Every home furnace has an electrically powered blower motor. This is what sends the warm air throughout the home. However, if the power goes off, this motor will stop, and warm air will stay near the furnace rather than being circulated throughout the building.

Electric Ignition

Most old furnaces have pilot lights for ignition. Systems like these have been replaced in modern heaters with electronic or electric ignition. However, while electric ignitions are significantly more reliable, they are also reliant upon electricity. Without power, consequently, you aren’t going to be able to turn the furnace on.

image of an electric heating element in a furnace

6 Reasons Why Your Home Furnace Is Regularly Tripping The Circuit Breaker

1. the furnace filter is clogged.

Your furnace might be working overtime if the unit has a clogged filter. Dirt inhibits the free flow of air, and thus, the system has to compensate by using additional power to improve its use. The resulting circuit overload will trip the breaker. Check the filter in your HVAC system and replace or clean it as needed. You should check your filter monthly and should always replace it when dirty.

2. Air Registers Or Events That Are Blocked

You can experience this same problem if there are blocked air registers or air vents anywhere throughout the system. In this situation, the furnace is going to start working much harder to generate heat. Thereby, it uses an abundance of power along the way. Find out if anything like the curtains or nearby furnishings are blocking the vents. To restore proper airflow, be sure to move these things out of the way.

image of an open hvac register

3. Your Furnace Motor Is Having Issues

It could be that the actual furnace motor is faulty. After many years of service, the wiring might be wearing down. This can lead to shorts and various other problems that can cause the circuit breaker to trip. Get in touch with an HVAC company to have a faulty motor replaced right away. This is an issue that routine HVAC maintenance can prevent going forward.

4. Leaky HVAC Ductwork

Air leaks will make your heating system inefficient as it continuously loses heated air. The furnace will have to work twice as hard to replace this lost air. This added workload can cause the circuit breaker to trip.

hvac ductwork

5. You Need To Repair Your Electric Panel

There are times when the furnace has absolutely nothing to do with the issue and you need to check other factors. It could be that the electrical panel itself is the source of your problem. A professional should repair a faulty electrical panel right away.

6. You Have A Shared Circuit That’s Overloaded

Your home furnace draws a considerable amount of power. It should be isolated on its own circuit, given that sharing a circuit with other appliances will likely result in overloading. Keep power tools, lights, and any other appliances in your home away from the circuit for your furnace.

What To Do If Your Furnace Starts Tripping the Circuit Breaker

1. take a look at the air filter.

Make a point of regularly checking the air filter. Dirt can start accumulating on this component. If too much debris accumulates before you clean or change the filter, airflow will decline.

HVAC air filter

2. Check To Ensure That The HVAC Air Registers or Vents Aren’t Obstructed

Move any curtains, furnishings, or other items that could be blocking the air vents. Also, keep air registers open in every room, even in rooms that aren’t actively in use.

3. Schedule A Professional Ductwork Inspection By Contacting A Local HVAC Contractor

Ductwork requires a high level of maintenance. Call a local HVAC company to have a professional inspection and cleaning service performed as needed. Trained HVAC technicians can conduct these services quickly and efficiently.

hvac ductwork inspection

4. Call An HVAC Company To Schedule Necessary Furnace Repairs

A novice working on your home furnace can cause way more damage than good. You may believe that you’re saving cash by attempting to handle repairs on your own, but you could end up spending a lot more in the long run. A professional that offers reliable and ultra-rapid solutions should address electrical problems affecting your furnace.

Issues with the circuit breaker can be very serious. If the circuit breaker keeps tripping as the result of your furnace, take the time to check for a few common causes. Don’t leave the problem unchecked as issues with overloading can result in fires and other serious hazards. Maintain your peace of mind by getting professional help right away.

Get Trusted Furnace Services By Calling Wilcox Energy

Wilcox_LOGO

When you need to have your HVAC system replaced or repaired, you’ll be in capable hands with Wilcox Energy . We provide the most competitive prices on HVAC services throughout the area, and, also, offer a solid guarantee confidently backs our work. Our HVAC services make indoor air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency a top priority. To set up your appointment, call us now to set up a free, in-home estimate.

For more information about our HVAC services, be sure to contact Wilcox Energy. You can  click here  to contact us, or you can call us at  (860) 399-6218  to find out more. We offer a full line of heating and cooling repairs, maintenance services, and installations.

tags: 2 breakers on furnace , blocked hvac air vents , blower motor on furnace , breaker on furnace , can thermostat trip breaker , clogged furnace filter , ductwork inspection , electric heater keeps tripping breaker , electronic ignition furnace , furnace airflow , furnace breaker switch , furnace breaker wont stay on , furnace circuit breaker location , furnace circuit breaker replacement , furnace circuit breaker size , furnace fan trips breaker , furnace keeps tripping reset button , furnace motor , furnace power surge , Furnace Repair , furnace shared circuit , furnace trips breaker , heat pump breaker location , heat pump circuit breaker size , heat pump trips breaker , hvac ductwork leaks , hvac outside breaker box , my furnace keeps blowing a fuse , power switch on furnace , pump breaker keeps tripping , thermostat tripping breaker , trip furnace breaker , what size breaker for gas furnace , what to do if a breaker keeps tripping from furnace , where is the furnace circuit breaker , why does my furnace keep blowing fuses , why does my heater keep blowing fuses , why does my hvac breaker keep tripping

Help! My Furnace Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

HVAC Logo Icon

Throughout the colder months, your furnace plays a crucial role in maintaining your family’s warmth and safety. However, when your furnace constantly shuts down due to a tripped circuit breaker, it can lead to an uncomfortably cold home and disrupt your family’s comfort. Keep reading as HVAC.com explains the common causes of a tripped furnace circuit breaker and how to address these situations.

Common Causes of a Furnace Breaker That Keeps Tripping

If your furnace breaker keeps tripping, several issues could be at play, including aging wires, an electrical overload, or short circuits. Some of the most common causes include:

Aging Wires

Old and deteriorated wires are not only a fire hazard, but they can also cause the circuit breaker for your furnace to trip. It’s crucial to have your furnace tuned up once a year in the fall to check the condition of all the electrical components and wiring.

Faulty Breaker

With regular maintenance and proper usage,  circuit breakers can last 30 to 40 years . However, circuit breakers can become faulty over time due to issues including manufacturing defects, consistently high electrical loads, and physical damage. If your HVAC technician or electrician determines the breaker is faulty, they can replace it with a new circuit for about $150 to $300. It’s also a good idea to check the overall condition of the circuit breaker panel to inspect for any potential issues.

Electrical Overload

An electrical overload can occur when the  furnace and other electrical devices draw too much current, causing the circuit to overload and trip the breaker. Furnaces should ideally have their own dedicated circuit to ensure safety and prevent overloads on the electrical system.

Short Circuits

If the heater trips the breaker after a few minutes, it could be short cycling. A short circuit happens when a hot wire contacts a neutral or ground wire, creating a surge of current that trips the breaker as a safety precaution. If this issue occurs in your home, contact a professional to check and repair damaged or exposed wiring.

Clogged Furnace Filter

A clogged and dirty furnace filter can lead to various problems, including tripping a circuit breaker. When the filter becomes clogged, it restricts airflow to your furnace, forcing the system to work harder and potentially overheat, which can result in a tripped circuit breaker.

Motor Issues

Worn-out wiring within the blower motor can cause an increase in electrical demands, overloads, arcing, and short circuits, leading to a furnace breaker that keeps tripping. Installing a new blower motor, including installation, costs about $550. Blocked vents can also raise the air pressure inside the HVAC system, increasing stress on the blower motor, and causing an overloaded circuit that trips frequently.

Leaky Air Ducts

It’s estimated that as much as 20 to 30% of conditioned air is lost through  leaky or poorly insulated air ducts . This causes your furnace to work harder and longer to reach the set temperature, raising your energy bills and potentially leading to a tripped breaker.

What To Do if Your Furnace Breaker Keeps Tripping?

If your furnace breaker keeps tripping, it’s important to take swift action. A tripped circuit breaker disrupts the electrical supply to the furnace, leading to a temporary loss of heating. This typically occurs as a safety mechanism to prevent electrical overloads or short circuits that could potentially lead to fires or damage to the furnace.

To resolve the issue, the circuit breaker must be manually reset by flipping it back to the “on” position. However, it’s crucial to determine the underlying cause of the tripped breaker, as it may be due to electrical overloads, faulty components, or other issues. If the problem is recurrent or the heater trips the breaker after a few minutes consistently,  contact a heating and cooling professional to identify and address the root cause to prevent further disruptions in your heating system.

HVAC.com is your trusted advisor for all things HVAC self.__wrap_n=self.__wrap_n||(self.CSS&&CSS.supports("text-wrap","balance")?1:2);self.__wrap_b=(e,t,r)=>{let n=(r=r||document.querySelector(`[data-br="${e}"]`)).parentElement,o=e=>r.style.maxWidth=e+"px";r.style.maxWidth="";let i=n.clientWidth,a=n.clientHeight,u=i/2-.25,l=i+.5,s;if(i){for(o(u),u=Math.max(r.scrollWidth,u);u+1 {self.__wrap_b(0,+r.dataset.brr,r)})).observe(n)};self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R1b8rquulla:",1)

Available 8 AM - 5 PM Eastern Time

Recent articles

Smart thermostat installed in living room

A Guide to Thermostat Location

Oops! Looks like this image is too cool for alt text!

What’s the Cost of a 2-Ton AC System?

Recharging HVAC refrigerant

Refrigerants 101: Navigating the HVAC Coolant Landscape

Carrier air conditioner

Carrier Infinity Reviews: What Homeowners are Saying

Heat pump system

Goodman Heat Pump Reviews

HVAC air filter

What Is a MERV 8 Filter?

Tevis Energy Logo

(410) 876-6800

6 Reasons Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

  • 1 Why Does My Furnace Need Electricity In The First Place?
  • 2.1 1. Clogged Furnace Filter
  • 2.2 2. Blocked HVAC Air Vents Or Registers
  • 2.3 3. Issues With Your Furnace Motor
  • 2.4 4. HVAC Ductwork Is Leaking
  • 2.5 5. Electric Panel Needs A Repair
  • 2.6 6. Overloaded, Shared Circuit
  • 3.1 Conclusion
  • 4 Call Tevis Energy For Trusted Furnace Services

Furnaces partly rely on electricity to operate. Therefore, its functionality can halt if the circuit breaker trips, leaving your home helpless against the cold. A simple furnace reset should get it back to normal if the reason is a rare power surge. However, resets aren’t enough if the furnace trips circuit breaker repeatedly. This is a possibly dangerous situation that should be thoroughly investigated. The reason for the issue should be determined so a permanent solution can be implemented. A professional can help you with this task. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about this issue.

Why Does My Furnace Need Electricity In The First Place?

Furnaces mainly consume fuel for home heating, but some parts need electricity. Cutting off the power supply means the system cannot work correctly. It requires uninterrupted electrical power for optimal results.

  • Blower Motor: All furnaces have a blower motor that runs on electricity. This component sends warm air throughout your home. Without power, the motor will stop, and the heated air will stay near the furnace instead of getting distributed across the building.
  • Electronic Ignition: Older furnaces have pilot lights for ignition. On the other hand, electronic ignition has largely replaced this in modern heating systems. Electronic ignitions are more dependable but rely on electricity from the grid. This means you cannot turn on your furnace without power.

Related Article: Boiler Vs. Furnace: What Are Their Differences?

6 Likely Reasons Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

image of electrician repairing breaker box due to furnace breaker circuit

Your breaker shouldn’t be tripping repeatedly. If this is the case, a reset won’t keep it from happening again. You must find the reason behind this issue to know how to resolve it. Here are the top six reasons your furnace keeps tripping your circuit breaker:

1. Clogged Furnace Filter

A clogged filter may be pushing the furnace to work too hard. Dirt buildup on the filter surface can prevent unrestricted airflow, making the system use more power to compensate and increase its heating performance. This can cause circuit overload, which can trip the breaker. Check the HVAC filters once a month and replace them as needed. 

Related Article: What Does AFUE Rating Really Mean?

2. Blocked HVAC Air Vents Or Registers

image of an hvac air vent

Blocked air vents or vents at different points across the system can cause the same issue. The furnace is forced to work harder to heat your home and use more power. Check if furniture, closed curtains, or other things are blocking the vents. Remove them so normal airflow can resume.

Related Article: Common Furnace FAQs

3. Issues With Your Furnace Motor

You may have a faulty furnace motor. There may be worn wiring after years of service. This can cause shorts and other problems that may trip the circuit breaker. Contact your trusted HVAC technician for a motor replacement immediately. Ensure your system gets regular maintenance to prevent this problem from recurring.

Related Article: What Is Mechanical Ventilation & How Does It Impact Your Home Comfort?

4. HVAC Ductwork Is Leaking

image of hvac ductwork depicting ductwork leaks

Air leaks cause furnace inefficiency. The furnace will work harder to replace the heated air that gets lost continuously. This extra workload can force the circuit breaker to trip.

5. Electric Panel Needs A Repair

There may be cases when the furnace isn’t the reason, so you have to look elsewhere. The electrical panel may be the cause of the problem. A malfunctioning panel needs to be repaired by a professional right away.

Related Article: 7 Reasons Your Filter Isn’t Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

6. Overloaded, Shared Circuit

A furnace consumes a lot of power. Therefore, furnaces should have their own circuit because sharing it with other appliances can overload the circuit. Ensure that appliances like power tools and lights do not share the furnace’s circuit.

What You Should Do If Your Furnace Trips The Circuit Breaker

Here are the steps to take if your furnace trips your breaker: 

  • Check The Furnace Air Filter: Habitually conduct regular air filter checks. Dirt accumulates on the filter’s surface. The airflow will suffer when the buildup gets bad.
  • Ensure HVAC Air Vents Have Proper Airflow And Aren’t Obstructed: Remove curtains, plants, furniture, or other obstructions blocking the vents. Ensure that the vents are open in all rooms, even those in unoccupied areas.
  • Contact An HVAC Contractor For A Professional Ductwork Inspection: Ducts can be challenging to care for. Call an HVAC professional to do an inspection and cleaning when needed. They can finish the task swiftly and efficiently.
  • Call An HVAC Professional For Furnace Repair: Novices can make things worse instead of better. You may think that doing DIY repairs saves you money, but you may have to spend more in the long run. Leave furnace electrical issues to the capable hands of a professional. They can provide fast and reliable solutions.

Related Article: When To Repair Vs. Replace Your Heating System

Circuit breaker problems can be severe. Check common causes if the furnace is tripping the breaker. Don’t neglect this issue, as overloading can cause fires and other hazards. Have a professional assist you immediately for your peace of mind.

Tevis Energy’s sister company, Modern Comfort, performs HVAC installations, replacements, tune-ups, and more. Our technicians can provide you with expert HVAC services to ensure that your system provides you with the comfort and efficiency you deserve. Call now to schedule an appointment.

Related Article: Top Signs Your Furnace Is Overheating

Call Tevis Energy For Trusted Furnace Services

Tevis Energy Logo

Tevis Energy offers exceptional HVAC services in the region. Our professionally certified technicians are experts in heating and cooling replacements, repairs, installations, and tune-ups. All our techs are highly knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced in servicing your HVAC system safely and accurately.

You can rest assured that you’re in good hands with Tevis Energy when you need an HVAC system repair or replacement. We offer the most affordable HVAC service prices in the area, and all our work is backed by a guarantee. Our HVAC services prioritize energy efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, and more. Schedule an appointment with Tevis Energy today for a free, in-home estimate. Call now!

You can click here  to contact us now or call us at  (410) 876-6800 to find out more! Click the link to view our  service area .

Posted in Blog Tags:

PFO Heating & Air Conditioning

  • Heating Oil Delivery
  • Heating and Cooling Service
  • Equipment Installation
  • Case Studies
  • Service Area

Six Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

  • January 11, 2021
  • breaker on furnace , can thermostat trip breaker , furnace breaker wont stay on , furnace circuit breaker replacement , Furnace Repair , furnace trips breaker , my furnace keeps blowing a fuse , what to do if a breaker keeps tripping from furnace , why does my furnace keep blowing fuses

furnace circuit breaker

Furnaces need electricity to function. A circuit breaker that trips mean that the furnace will stop working as well. Your home will become susceptible to cold when this happens. A power surge can cause the breaker to trip, but a simple furnace reset will put it back up in working order. However, a furnace trips circuit breaker repeatedly points to a bigger problem. Resets won’t be enough in this case, and you need to have your furnace thoroughly inspected. The cause might be a potential danger, so it is vital to determine the reason and find a solution with a professional’s help.

The Reason Your Furnace Needs Electricity

  • 1 The Reason Your Furnace Needs Electricity
  • 2.1 1. Clogged Furnace Filter
  • 2.2 2. Furnace Motor Problems
  • 2.3 3. Obstructed Air Vents Or Registers
  • 2.4 4. Leak In The HVAC Ductwork
  • 2.5 5. Electric Panel Needs To Be Repaired
  • 2.6 6. The Circuit Is Overloaded
  • 3.1 Conclusion
  • 4 Contact PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For Trusted Furnace Services

image of homeowner at circuit breaker box after furnace blows circuit

Fuel is what furnaces primarily utilize to conduct the heating process. Without a power supply, the system will not work as it should. Make sure your heating system receives continuous electricity for optimal results. Here are some of the furnace components that need electricity to operate.

  • Electronic Ignition – Most modern furnaces use electronic ignitions instead of pilot lights. This is mainly because it is more reliable. However, since it uses electricity, you cannot switch on your furnace without power.
  • Blower Motor – Furnaces are equipped with a blower motor that utilizes electrical power to work. This component’s job is to distribute warm air across your house. Without power, the motor will come to a halt, and warm air cannot circulate properly.

6 Possible Causes That Result In Your Furnace Tripping The Circuit Breaker

A breaker that keeps tripping is not normal, and resetting it won’t solve the issue. It is best to determine the reason behind it as this will give you an idea on how to deal with it. Some of the most common causes are as follows:

1. Clogged Furnace Filter

pollutants on hvac air filter

The furnace filter traps dust, dirt, and other contaminants. It can get clogged with debris as time passes. As a result, the flow of air becomes restricted. Your furnace uses more power to compensate and maintain its heating performance. Doing so can overload the circuit breaker and trip it. Check the furnace filter periodically. Clean or replace them whenever necessary.

2. Furnace Motor Problems

The furnace motor might be malfunctioning. For instance, the wires might be frayed, which could be what is causing the breaker to trip. Call a professional to replace the motor right away. Regular maintenance can also help ensure that the furnace motor is in tiptop shape at all times.

3. Obstructed Air Vents Or Registers

hands in front of hvac air vents

Your furnace will also overload the breaker and cause it to trip if the air vents are blocked. This is because it will strain to meet your home’s heating demands and consume a lot of electricity. Make sure that any furniture, plants, and curtains blocking the vents are removed immediately. This way, the air can flow properly again.

4. Leak In The HVAC Ductwork

Holes or gaps in the duct cause warm air to escape instead of being distributed throughout your home. It causes inefficiencies and pushes your furnace to work harder. As a result, the breaker can trip.

5. Electric Panel Needs To Be Repaired

image of a furnace circuit breaker repair

In some cases, the cause might not be your furnace. Check the electrical panel as this might be what’s causing the breaker to trip. A faulty one needs to be repaired by a professional immediately.

6. The Circuit Is Overloaded

Your furnace consumes a lot of electricity. Therefore, it must have its own circuit. Having it share a circuit with other appliances might cause overloading. Remember to keep other appliances, lights, and power tools away from the furnace circuit as well.

Things You Can Do When Your Furnace Causes The Circuit Breaker To Trip

furnace that requires annual furnace maintenance

Here are steps you can take when your furnace repeatedly trips the circuit breaker:

  • Furnace Filter Replacements: Check the furnace air filter regularly. Depending on your household, it might need to be cleaned or replaced at least once a month. Otherwise, dirt buildup can cause airflow restrictions.
  • Open Air Vents: Ensure that all air vents are not obstructed for proper airflow. Furniture, plants, curtains, and other objects obstructing the vents should be removed. Make sure that the vents in all rooms are open as well, even those in unoccupied ones.
  •   HVAC Ductwork Inspection: Call a reliable HVAC contractor to conduct a ductwork inspection. The duct system is known to be challenging to care for. An expert can perform quick and efficient ductwork checks. Contact a professional to inspect and clean your ductwork for you.
  • HVAC Repair: Contact an HVAC professional to repair your furnace. Untrained individuals might cause more damage to your system. Although it might seem like you are saving money when you conduct a DIY furnace repair , you might end up paying more for repair and replacements. Furnace electrical problems should always be left in the hands of a professional.

Problems with the circuit breaker can possibly be dangerous. If it’s your furnace that’s causing it to trip, check the list above for the possible trigger. Do not let it turn into a more severe problem as overloading can cause fires, among other dangers. Contact your local, trusted technician immediately to help you.

Contact PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For Trusted Furnace Services

PFO Heating & Air Conditioning

Rest assured that our highly-trained techs can also help you find the best HVAC make and model when you need a replacement system. We offer affordable and the most competitive HVAC service costs in the area. All our work comes with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. Our friendly techs always put your home’s comfort, safety, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality first. Schedule an appointment by calling PFO Heating & Air Conditioning today. We provide free, in-home estimates.

Click here  to contact us now or call us at  (800) 253-9001  to find out more!

Recent Posts

  • 7 HVAC Tips for a Smooth Transition from Winter to Spring
  • Backup Generator Troubleshooting: What To Do When Your Generator Won’t Start
  • Simple Tips For Pet Owners To Improve Their Indoor Air Quality
  • Ductless Air Conditioner: How It Cools Your Space Efficiently
  • Essentials for Choosing the Perfect Attic Air Conditioner
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • Air Conditioning
  • Backup Generators
  • Company News
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Heating Oil
  • Indoor Air Quality

Townsend Energy

Aside from fuel, furnaces also rely on electricity to run well. Anything that trips the circuit breaker can make the furnace stop. This makes the home vulnerable to extreme temperatures. For example, it can happen due to a power surge. Thankfully, this is a rare occurrence that is easily remedied by a furnace reset. A furnace trips circuit breaker repeatedly is another story. Resets won’t be able to normalize the situation because something deeper is causing the issue. This could be dangerous if ignored. Consider calling an HVAC company to investigate the matter and provide a permanent fix.

Why Do Furnaces Require Electricity?

  • 1.1 1. Blower Motor
  • 1.2 2. Electronic Ignition
  • 2.1 1. Clogged Furnace Filter
  • 2.2 2. Blocked HVAC Air Vents
  • 2.3 3. Problems with the Furnace Motor
  • 2.4 4. Leaking HVAC Ductwork
  • 2.5 5. Faulty Electric Panel
  • 2.6 6. Overloaded Circuit
  • 3.1 1. Air Filter Inspection
  • 3.2 2. Air Vent Obstruction Removal
  • 3.3 3. Professional Ductwork Inspection
  • 3.4 4. Professional Furnace Repair
  • 3.5 Conclusion
  • 4 Call Townsend Energy for Trusted Furnace Services

Fuel may be the primary energy source of furnaces for heating but a couple of parts need electricity. If the power source is cut off due to the circuit breaker, then the system will not work as intended. Electricity must always be available for optimal performance.

1. Blower Motor

The blower motor in every furnace runs on electricity. Its job is to circulate the heated air throughout a building. Without power, the motor can’t function. The furnace can heat up air but it won’t be able to push this to different parts of the house. Hot air will be stuck around the heating equipment.

2. Electronic Ignition

In the past, furnaces were designed with pilot lights that took care of ignition. That technology is now obsolete as electronic ignition is considered vastly superior. Modern heating systems use the latter for greater reliability and faster ignition. However, it can only work if it is receiving power from the grid.

image of furnace circuit breaker repair

Six Reasons Why Furnaces Constantly Trip the Circuit Breaker

The breaker should not be tripping constantly. This abnormal situation can’t be solved by a reset alone. An HVAC technician should look at the system and diagnose the problem. After identifying the root cause, a suitable remedy can be implemented.

1. Clogged Furnace Filter

HVAC filters are designed to catch undesirable airborne particles. Dust, dander, pollen, and other pollutants get trapped on the filter surface until they form a visible layer of dirt. Eventually, this can diminish airflow and make it harder for the system to operate. The furnace will try to work harder to compensate and consume more energy in the process. A circuit overload may even occur that could trip the breaker. Homeowners should conduct regular inspections and filter replacements to prevent this.

2. Blocked HVAC Air Vents

image of hvac air vent

A similar issue can occur when the air vents and registers are blocked by furniture or other objects. Due to poor airflow, the furnace will push itself to its limits just to achieve the temperature settings. Power consumption will jump as a result of the struggle. Homeowners can go around the house to see what’s causing the problem. Clear the airways to normalize system operation.

3. Problems with the Furnace Motor

The problem could be traced to a faulty furnace motor. This is common in old furnaces as the wiring can succumb to wear and tear. Short circuits and other issues can occur to trip the circuit breaker. It is dangerous to tinker with this part of the system so it’s best to leave it to an experienced HVAC technician. The motor may have to be replaced as a permanent solution.

4. Leaking HVAC Ductwork

image of leaky hvac ductwork for home heating

Ducts may develop holes, gaps, and cracks over the years. Air will naturally try to escape through these small air duct leaks , reducing system efficiency . The furnace will again work harder to make up for the lost hot air. The resulting high energy consumption may cause the breaker to trip.

5. Faulty Electric Panel

There are cases wherein the furnace is doing fine and the fault lies elsewhere. It may turn out that the electric panel itself is problematic. This complex issue will require a professional’s attention.

6. Overloaded Circuit

Since the furnace draws significant power, it should be isolated from the rest of the circuits in a home. Letting it share a circuit with other appliances increases the risk of overloading.

What to Do When the Furnace Trips The Circuit Breaker

1. air filter inspection.

image of a dirty furnace filter

It is the job of air filters to remove dirt from the air to prolong equipment life and create a healthier environment. Clogs are inevitable over time so homeowners must inspect them regularly and replace them when necessary. It is a good idea to check on them every month.

2. Air Vent Obstruction Removal

Common obstructions for HVAC air vents include closed curtains and furniture pieces. Remove all the things that are preventing air from flowing freely. Open the vents in every room including unoccupied spaces.

3. Professional Ductwork Inspection

Ductwork go all around the house and is often difficult to access. Maintenance and repairs are difficult for homeowners to do by themselves. These tasks will have to be given to professionals for fast completion and reliable results.

4. Professional Furnace Repair

Homeowners may have good intentions but their inexperience can lead them to poor choices when trying to conduct furnace repair. Instead of saving money, they may end up spending more by making matters worse. This is a job for certified HVAC technicians who have the training, tools, and experience to do things right.

Problems with the circuit breaker should not be taken lightly. Furnace-induced tripping calls for immediate inspection and diagnosis. The common triggers discussed above should be the first ones investigated. It is important to act fast because this kind of issue can lead to fires and other disasters if ignored. Seek professional help for reliable solutions.

Call Townsend Energy for Trusted Furnace Services

te logo

Give Townsend Energy a call if you need assistance with your heating or cooling system. We offer competitive rates so you don’t need to go elsewhere. Schedule an appointment today and get a free, in-home estimate.

Contact us  now at  (800) 722-4101  to find out more!

  • Bryan-College Station
  • Corpus Christi
  • Dallas-Fort Worth
  • San Antonio

Why Does My Furnace Keep Tripping the Breaker?

a home's living room

Not all homeowners know that their furnaces need electricity to run smoothly. Yes, even gas furnaces. If your power goes out, so will your furnace, leaving you cold and miserable inside your home. Most of the time, you can reset the breaker, and your furnace will run smoothly again. That means it’s a temporary issue.

But that doesn’t always work. If your furnace keeps tripping the circuit breaker after resetting it, there’s a more serious issue at hand that requires the skills of an HVAC professional. Here are some possible reasons behind this problem.

Possible Reasons Your Furnace Keeps Tripping the Breaker

Don’t ignore it if the furnace breaker keeps tripping. It is a sign that there’s something wrong with the furnace. You have to address the issue before it becomes a safety concern. Here are some possible culprits behind the tripping problem.

Your Furnace Is Overloaded

When your furnace is overloaded, it has to work harder than it should, pulling in more electrical current than usual. If your furnace works for a while when you turn it on but suddenly trips the breaker, it’s likely an overloading problem. Several factors can cause this issue, including the following:

  • Clogged air filter: Imagine pressing a towel up to your face and trying to breathe. It’s possible, but it requires more effort. It’s the same when your furnace’s filter is dirty or clogged. It has to work harder to suck air and produce airflow. That’s why it’s important to know how often to change the air filter in a house .
  • Blocked or closed air vents: Return vents suck air into the furnace. But if they’re blocked, it will cause the same problem as clogged air filters. On the other hand, supply vents blow warm air into your home. But it’ll be harder for them to do their job if they’re closed.
  • Deformed ductwork: If some ducts in your home are bent out of shape or crushed, it will restrict airflow and cause your furnace to work harder.
  • Malfunctioning parts: If some components inside the furnace aren’t working efficiently, the whole system has to work harder to compensate.

The best way to prevent an overloaded furnace is to clean the air filter regularly. It is also a good habit to check the vents and ensure they are open and unobstructed.

The Capacitor Is Malfunctioning

The blower motor requires a lot of energy when starting up. The spike in power is large enough to trip the breaker. That’s where a capacitor comes in handy. Like a battery, the capacitor will release its stored energy to the blower motor as it gets itself going. If the capacitor isn’t working, the blower motor will get all the power from the electrical circuit. The additional amps can cause the breaker to trip. Fortunately, capacitors are easy for an HVAC professional, who knows how a furnace works , to replace.

The Blower Motor Is Defective

If the capacitor isn’t the problem, the blower motor might be to blame. A seized blower motor is one of the most common causes of a tripping furnace breaker. A professional can tell the blower motor has seized up by using their hands to turn it. If it is hard to rotate or it feels like it’s grinding against something, it may be time to get a new one.

But if it spins without issue, it’s likely a problem with the squirrel cage. It might be rubbing against the fan housing’s side, blocking the blower motor’s movement and causing the breaker to trip. An HVAC professional can try realigning the squirrel cage with the blower motor shaft to see if that fixes the issue. If not, they might have to replace the squirrel cage.

The Air Ducts Are Leaking

If you have leaking air ducts, the whole HVAC system becomes inefficient. Hot air is continuously escaping, causing the furnace to exert more effort. Any time the HVAC system works harder than usual, it can cause the breaker to trip. If you think your air ducts are leaking, contact an HVAC specialist. Ductwork maintenance and repair are complex processes that require the knowledge and skills of an expert.

The Shared Circuit Is Overloaded

Furnaces require a lot of power to run. If you have other appliances connected to the same circuit as the furnace, that could explain why the breaker keeps tripping. You can prevent this issue by having a dedicated circuit for your HVAC system. It is also possible that the circuit breaker is the problem, not the furnace. An HVAC pro can try tightening any loose electrical connections. If that doesn’t work, they might have to replace the breaker of the entire panel.

Contact an HVAC specialist immediately if the furnace breaker is tripping non-stop. It might be tempting to repair the issue yourself, but doing so can cause more damage.

a home's living room

How Does a High-Efficiency Furnace Work?

It is easier to deal with furnace problems when you know what kind you have at home. There are two main gas furnace types: conventional furnaces and high-efficiency furnaces. Like older conventional furnaces, high-energy furnaces suck cold air from your home, running it through an air filter. They also have a circulating fan and a gas burner. However, there are differences in the way they function.

Efficient Handling of Exhaust Gases

In conventional furnaces, exhaust gases flow from the combustion chamber straight into a metal flue and lead outside. It wastes a lot of heat because the gases are still hot when released. On the other hand, high-efficiency furnaces pass exhaust gases through another heat exchanger, which absorbs the remaining heat.

Built-In Heat Recovery Ventilator

Like conventional furnaces, high-efficiency furnaces reuse the air in your home in a loop. But aside from recirculating air, they also pull fresh air through cracks around doors and windows. This feature is helpful in homes with tight seals, sucking air from the outdoors and preventing partial vacuum pressure. High-efficiency furnaces use the remaining heat in the exhaust to preheat the fresh outdoor air.

Efficient Fuel Combustion

Conventional furnaces have single-stage gas valves, meaning your only option is to turn them on and off. But with high-efficiency furnaces, you get a variable-capacity valve, which gives you precise control. This advanced component allows these modern furnaces to run at 90% efficiency. To compare, traditional models are only at 80%. The boost in performance means shorter heating cycles and lower gas bills.

Insulated Blower Compartment

Most homeowners keep their furnaces in non-heated areas of the house, like a utility room. For this reason, conventional furnaces tend to lose heat through their blower compartments. That causes the system to work longer and harder. On the other hand, high-efficiency furnaces have insulated blower compartments, so you don’t have to worry about this issue regardless of location.

High-efficiency furnaces have advanced features that can save you money in the long run. However, homeowners must know they’re significantly more expensive than traditional models. You also have to spend more on the installation cost. You should consult an expert if you can’t decide between a conventional and a high-efficiency furnace. An HVAC professional will suggest the best furnace type for your home.

a furnace

What Is a Limit Switch on a Furnace?

The limit switch may be a small device, but it’s essential to all forced-air furnaces using natural gas, heating oil or liquid propane. It switches the fan on and off during the heating cycle. Able to sense heat, it will turn off the furnace as a safety measure if the internal temperature becomes too high.

Limit switches can develop problems as furnaces get older. Their sensors, in particular, are prone to issues and can prevent the furnace from functioning normally. You can try to fix the sensor by cleaning the dirt and grime around it. Another common problem is when the blower fan won’t shut off. It happens when the limit switch won’t turn off even if the air exchanger has cooled and the burners have stopped.

A faulty limit switch can also prevent the furnace from working at all. Complete switch failure will leave it stuck in the off position, which means the furnace can’t run. Repeated overheating can have the same effect. If the switch hits the limit constantly and has to turn off the burner multiple times, it can force the control computer to shut down. You can’t turn on the furnace until a professional has repaired it.

Replacing a bad limit switch is best handled by a professional since it requires a good understanding of electrical issues. An HVAC professional will perform the necessary repairs and replacements and have your furnace running smoothly again.

Contact the Pros for Your Furnace Struggles

Furnaces make our homes cozy and comfortable during the colder months. But as helpful as they are, they are complicated appliances that can develop issues over time and raise our stress levels. If your furnace keeps tripping the breaker or its limit switch is broken, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A licensed HVAC professional has the tools and expertise to restore your furnace to its efficient state.

ABC Can Solve Your Heating And Cooling Woes

Furnaces are complex systems, and trying to work on them without special training and tools can create larger problems and can even lead to damage to your home. Instead of taking these risks, contact the professionals at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our licensed specialists are available all day and all night to handle any HVAC repairs or issue you may be having, like a furnace that won’t ignite .

why furnace trips breaker

  • Privacy Policy
  • ABC Main Home Page

Read Our Reviews

See Our Financing Options

  • Heating + Cooling
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Request Service

The Stiles Blog

Reasons your furnace trips the circuit breaker: understanding for prevention.

When it gets cold outside, a functional furnace at home is essential for maintaining a comfortable and cozy environment. However, one common reason many homeowners are seeking a furnace repair service is beacause their furnace breaker keeps tripping. This frustrating problem can lead to fluctuating temperatures and an overall decrease in efficiency. So, what causes this phenomenon, and how can you spot the signs that you may require a furnace repair in Georgia? In this blog post, we will discuss why your furnace trips the circuit breaker and provide some tips to help you prevent it from happening in the first place.

A tripping furnace breaker can be attributed to several factors, ranging from minor to more severe issues. It’s important to know these potential problems so you can address them promptly. Some common reasons for a furnace tripping the circuit breaker include:

  • Overloaded circuit
  • Overheating furnace
  • Malfunctioning breaker
  • Faulty wiring or electrical issues
  • Blocked or dirty air filters
  • Motor or blower problems
  • Loose or corroded connections

Understanding these various factors will enable you to take the necessary steps toward preventing the problem and ensuring that your furnace functions effectively and efficiently. In the subsequent sections of this blog post, we will delve deeper into each of these reasons, explain why they may cause the breaker to trip, and offer solutions to prevent them from occurring.

Knowing the signs and taking preventative measures to address these issues, you will be better equipped to handle any furnace-related problems that may arise during the colder months. Professional GA furnace repair services might sometimes be necessary to resolve the problem. However, understanding and addressing these common causes of a furnace breaker tripping might save you valuable time, money, and frustration.

Stay tuned for a detailed exploration of the reasons behind a tripping furnace breaker, the risks it poses, and the solutions to ensure your home stays comfortable all winter.

Understanding the Causes of a Tripping Furnace Breaker

When attempting to mitigate the issue of a tripping furnace breaker, it is essential to understand the common causes. Gaining a comprehensive understanding will help you make informed decisions when seeking furnace repair services in GA, which in turn, will extend the life and efficiency of your furnace. The following sections will explore the reasons we mentioned in the Introduction, offering insights into why these issues occur and some tips for avoiding them.

1. Overloaded Circuit: The Most Common Culprit

The primary reason behind a tripping furnace breaker is an overloaded circuit. When the circuit is overloaded, the electrical current running through the breaker exceeds its maximum capacity, causing the breaker to trip. Furnaces often demand a significant amount of electricity, and if other high-energy appliances are also used simultaneously, it could result in an overloaded circuit.

One of the best ways to avoid this situation is by paying attention to the overall electrical load on the circuit. If the breaker trips frequently, consider using high-energy appliances like dryers, microwaves, or vacuum cleaners at different times than when the furnace is running. Additionally, having a professional furnace repair technician in Georgia assess your electrical panel is a good idea, especially if you suspect a capacity issue or haven’t had the panel serviced in a while.

2. Overheating Furnace: A Heat-Induced Shutdown

An overheating furnace is another common cause of a tripping breaker. If the furnace’s internal temperature gets too high, it may cause the high limit switch to activate, shutting down the furnace to prevent damage. The high limit switch helps protect the furnace from overheating, but it can also signify a disrupted airflow, blocked vents, or dirty air filters.

To keep your furnace running efficiently, clean or replace air filters regularly. This helpful maintenance practice will ensure that your furnace maintains proper airflow, decreasing the possibility of overheating and the need for costly furnace repair service.

3. Malfunctioning Breaker: Time for an Upgrade

At times, the circuit breaker itself can be the root of the problem. A faulty or worn-out breaker may trip more frequently due to age or mechanical issues, leading to disruptions in furnace operation. In this case, you might have to replace the breaker with a new one to ensure proper functioning.

To diagnose and fix a malfunctioning breaker, consult a professional electrician or furnace repair service. They can advise if it is time for a replacement or if the problem lies elsewhere.

4. Faulty Wiring or Electrical Issues: Hidden Dangers

Poor wiring or electrical issues can pose a significant danger to your home, causing tripping breakers, fires, or even electrocution. Faulty wiring typically occurs over time as wires degrade or become loose. Consequently, it can cause short circuits or arcing, which results in the breaker tripping.

If you suspect faulty wiring, it’s crucial to consult a professional furnace repair technician immediately. They can evaluate the state of your wiring and fix any problems to ensure that your furnace and electrical system are safe and reliable.

5. Blocked or Dirty Air Filters: A Simple Solution

As earlier mentioned, dirty or blocked air filters can lead to reduced airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and trip the breaker. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing your furnace filters, will prevent this problem and ensure your furnace runs efficiently.

Most experts recommend checking and cleaning your air filters every 30 to 90 days, depending on factors like the type of filter and how often your furnace is in use. By maintaining a clean air filter, you can avoid unnecessary furnace repair services and improve the longevity of your appliance.

Ensuring a Comfortable and Safe Home

A tripping furnace breaker can be more than a mere inconvenience; it can indicate underlying issues that can compromise your home’s safety and comfort. By understanding the common causes and addressing them proactively, you can prevent disruptions in your furnace’s operation and maintain an optimal temperature throughout the colder months.

Keep in mind that some problems may require professional HVAC services such as those at Stiles Services in Athens, GA, and it is always wise to consult experts in situations beyond your expertise. Regular inspections and basic maintenance practices can go a long way in extending the life and efficiency of your furnace, saving you from costly repairs and ensuring a comfortable home environment during the winter months.

« Older Entries

Newer Entries »

Circuit Breaker

  • Cooling & Plumbing
  • Heating & Cooling

You’ve got a problem, we’ve got a solution. Request service now.

Stiles Services 140 Ben Burton Rd. Bogart, GA 30622 M-F: 8AM-5PM 706-548-1328

Let's Connect

About stiles.

  • The Stiles Team
  • Testimonials
  • HVAC Careers
  • Employer Healthcare MRFs

Join Our Newsletter

Service areas.

  • Flowery Branch
  • Lawrenceville
  • Watkinsville

Licenses: HVAC #CN006418 | Plumbing MP209682

  • Privacy Policy

© 2024 | Website by Kaptiv8

InterCounty Supply Logo

The Top Reasons Why Your Furnace Could Trip Your Circuit Breaker, and What To Do Next

When you think about items that can trip your circuit breaker, there are a few examples that come to mind. Maybe the occasional power strip, hair dryer, or big screen TV could overload your circuit breaker, causing it to trip. You probably do not expect your furnace to trip your circuit breaker, but it can happen from time to time.

What are a few of the top reasons why your furnace could cause your circuit breaker to trip, and what should you do about it?

why furnace trips breaker

1. Your Furnace Is Working Too Hard

Your furnace will cause your circuit breaker to trip if it is drawing too much electricity for your home’s electrical system to handle. So, what are some of the most common reasons why your furnace might be drawing too much electricity?

A few of the most common reasons include:

  • There might be a problem with your ductwork, restricting the airflow throughout your home.
  • There might be a component that is not working properly in the furnace itself.
  • Your air filter might be clogged, forcing your furnace to work too hard.
  • There could be a blocked air vent that places a tremendous amount of stress on your furnace.
  • If you need help cleaning your furnace to address these issues, count on our team to assist you.

2. There Is a Ground Fault or Short Circuit in the Furnace

It is also possible that there could be an issue with the intrinsic wiring of your furnace. For example, there might be a problem with your ground fault, or there might be a short circuit in the furnace itself. Electrical wiring has come a long way during the past few years, and there is a chance that your old furnace might not be compatible with the new electrical system in your home. Or, the reverse could be true.

It is important to reach out to an expert if you need someone who can take a look at your furnace's electrical system and identify the problem. It would be our pleasure to assist you, so do not hesitate to reach out to us when you need someone to help you with the electricity of your furnace.

3. Your Furnace Is Sharing a Circuit

If you want your furnace to work appropriately, it is best to put it on its own circuit. On the other hand, if you have an older home, there is a chance that your furnace could be sharing an electrical circuit with other devices in your home.

If you recently connected some large appliances to the same circuit as your furnace, your circuit could trip. It would be our pleasure to take a look at how your circuit is set up, compare it to your furnace, and make sure everything is working as it should.

4. The Issue Is With Your Circuit Breaker

Finally, there is a chance that your furnace might be working appropriately, but there could be an issue with your circuit breaker. If you believe something is wrong with your circuit breaker, you need to reach out to a professional electrician who can address it for you.

Contact the Experts at ISCNY for Help With Your Furnace and Circuit Breaker

In the end, there are a lot of reasons why your furnace could cause your circuit breaker to trip. Even though you might be tempted to reset your circuit breaker and keep going, that is not the best way to handle this issue. Instead, it is important to reach out to an expert who can help you address this issue as quickly as possible.

At ISCNY, we have a tremendous amount of experience working with different types of furnaces, and we can use that experience to help you address issues with yours. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experts, and let us help you ensure your furnace is working appropriately.

Homeowner Looking For Reliable Heating, Cooling Or Plumbing Supplies?

Our dedicated specialists are standing by to help..

Most homeowners in need of new heating or cooling equipment will do an internet search to get information. Such a search will typically yield two results: what to buy or where to buy but not why to buy. At InterCounty Supply , as a wholesale supply house, we present all the options for what to buy and why it would be the best choice for YOUR situation. After all the options are presented a homeowner can decide for themselves what they need. ICS then has a licensed, factory trained contractor who SPECIALIZES in the equipment you need come to your home to provide the complete installation cost for the equipment you need. ICS will also handle all the paperwork for any rebates that are applicable.

Have questions, give us a call  914-939-4350 or fill out the form and one of our specialists will be in touch shortly.

Get A Free - No Obligation Quote

Our Specialist are

standing by to help

Blog Post Form

Other helpful articles.

why furnace trips breaker

The Essential Guide to Home Humidifiers

why furnace trips breaker

Geothermal Furnace for Your Home: A Sustainable Heating and Cooling Solution

why furnace trips breaker

Tankless Water Heater for Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide

205 Adams St, Bedford Hills, NY

[email protected]

914-666-9100

InterCounty Supply Logo

Business Hours

Heating & cooling made simple., quick links, sign up for  our news blast, email newsletter.

Thank you for subscribing to our updates. We will never spam or resell your information. 

Latest News

All Rights Reserved. All content & images belong to their respectful owners. | InterCounty Supply Inc.

Powered by Zamerat Digital Marketing

  • Service Area
  • (770) 421-8400

No Results found

Please try again.

You are in Georgia. Visit Alabama . Visit  Tennessee .

Coolray

  • (629) 888-8400

You are in  Tennessee . Visit Georgia . Visit  Alabama .

Coolray Tennessee

  • (205) 851-8400

You are in Alabama. Visit  Georgia . Visit  Tennessee .

4 Reasons Why Your Furnace Can Trip the Circuit Breaker

So you just had to reset the circuit breaker for your furnace. And now you’re wondering what caused this to happen. Will it keep happening? And what you can do to keep it from happening again?

Here’s the key: If resetting the breaker worked and it hasn’t tripped again, you’re probably fine. It might have been caused by a temporary power surge or spike from a thunderstorm or electrical grid problem. Just keep an eye on your furnace.

However, if your furnace continues to trip your circuit breaker, you need to find the source of the problem and fix it. The most common problems are:

  • An overloaded furnace
  • An overloaded shared circuit
  • Short circuit or ground fault inside your furnace
  • Circuit breaker problems

But first, do not keep resetting a tripping breaker. That’s dangerous. Here’s why...

Why you shouldn’t keep resetting your furnace breaker

Circuit breakers are safety devices that help prevent home fires.

Each wire in your home is rated to handle a certain amount of electrical current (measured in amps). If too much electrical current passes through your wires, they can overheat, melt, and cause a fire. 

Circuit breakers prevent this by automatically shutting off electricity to circuits when too much electricity is passing through them. 

For example, most furnace breakers are 15-amp breakers. If more than 15-amps of electricity flows through it, the breaker will trip and turn off electricity to that circuit to prevent the wires from overheating.

So now that you know the importance of contacting a professional if your furnace breaker keeps tripping, we’ll show you some of the most common reasons these breakers trip...

Cause #1: Overloaded furnace

An overloaded furnace is working harder than it should, causing it to pull more electrical current than it normally does. If your furnace turns on, works for a little while but then quickly trips the breaker, this is likely the problem.

Several problems can cause your furnace to become overloaded, including:

  • A dirty air filter —A dirty filter suffocates your furnace. It has to work extra hard to suck in air from your home. Imagine having to breathe through a towel. You can do it, but it’s much more difficult.
  • Closed or blocked air vents —Blocked return vents (the ones that suck air into your furnace) cause the same problem as a dirty air filter. Closed supply vents make it more difficult for your furnace to blow air into your home (like you having to blow through a straw).
  • Restricted ductwork —Some of the ducts in your home may be crushed, kinked or bent too sharply, restricting airflow to and/or from your home. (Seeing a theme here?)
  • Malfunctioning part —A bad part inside of your furnace can cause the furnace to have to work harder, pulling more electrical current.

How to fix it: Make sure your air filter is clean and all your vents are open and clear of obstructions like drapes or furniture. Even vents in unused rooms should be open. Look in your attic or crawlspace for crushed or kinked ductwork and fix it, if you can.

Contact a heating repair company if you can’t fix the problem yourself or think a part might be malfunctioning.

Cause #2: An overloaded, shared circuit

It’s best if your furnace is on its own circuit. However, many older homes in Atlanta were not built this way. Your furnace might share an electrical circuit with some other outlets or lights in your home.

Running your furnace and another larger electrical appliance (perhaps power tools in the garage) on the same circuit can overload your circuit. The 2 combined appliances may pull more amps than the circuit is rated for.

How to fix it: You can remove other appliances from the furnace’s circuit or simply not run them when the furnace is on. Otherwise, consider moving your furnace to its own circuit.

Cause #3: Short circuit or ground fault in your furnace

A furnace that starts up but immediately trips the breaker can be caused by an electrical short circuit or ground fault inside of the furnace itself.

Short circuits in your furnace happen when a bare hot wire comes in contact with a neutral wire. 

Ground faults occur when a bare hot wire touches a ground wire or some other grounded part in your furnace (like the metal box). 

Both short circuits and ground faults greatly increase the amount of electrical current your furnace is pulling, which trips the breaker. They’re most often caused by malfunctioning parts, an incorrect repair, or a rodent chewing some of the wires. 

How to fix it: You need to find the source of the short circuit or ground fault inside of your furnace. Unless you are familiar with how appliances and electricity work, this is best left to a furnace repair professional. 

Cause #4: Circuit breaker problems

It’s also possible that the problem lies not with your furnace but with the circuit breaker or electrical panel. Your breaker may be bad or some of its electrical connections may be loose. 

How to fix it: Depending on the problem, the solution could be tightening electrical connections, replacing the breaker or—in extreme cases—replacing the panel.

Coolray has locations in metro Atlanta , Nashville , and Birmingham, AL . If your furnace is tripping your circuit breaker or you have another heating problem, contact us today.

Related Reading

Subscribe to e-newsletter.

Get up-to-date current news, promotions and industry tips.

Skip navigation

Your Browser Is Incompatible

You are seeing this message because we have detected you are using Internet Explorer 8 (or older) to browse our site. Unfortunately, this means that your browser is too old to display our site properly and that certain areas of the site may display incorrectly or not at all. Please upgrade to the latest version of Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari in order to view this site.

Need service now? Call Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning at 727-843-0306

Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning

718-273-8175

Shop Online

  • Financing Options

Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning

Serving Staten Island's Heating and A/C needs since 1950

  • Central Air Conditioners
  • Duct Repair and Replacement
  • Thermostats
  • Zone Control Systems
  • Radiant Heating Systems
  • Air Filtration Systems and Air Purifiers
  • Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
  • Tank Water Heaters
  • Tankless Water Heaters
  • Comfort Club
  • Service Agreements
  • Service Areas
  • Affiliations
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Send A Message
  • Request An Estimate
  • Schedule Service
  • Take Our Survey
  • Refer A Friend

5 Reasons Your Furnace Is Tripping the Circuit Breaker

big-blue-question-mark

Yes, This Applies to Gas Furnaces Too

We wrote about this misunderstanding a few weeks ago. Gas furnaces do require electrical power in order to operate. The main cause of a circuit overload from a furnace is due to the blower motor. All furnaces, regardless of their energy source, have an electrically-powered blower motor.

5 Possible Reasons for the Circuit Breaker Tripping

  • Clogged air filter: You must change the furnace’s filter on a regular basis (every 1 to 3 months depending on the filter type). If the filter becomes clogged, it will cut off airflow and force the blower to strain. A strained blower is the main trigger for a tripped circuit breaker.
  • Blocked air vents: Another way that the blower motor may be placed under too much stress is if there are blocked air vents around the house. This might be from moved furniture or people closing off the vent louvers. Blocked vents raise the air pressure inside the ventilation system, and that puts more stress on the blower motor that can overload the electrical circuit.
  • Motor problems: The issue may be that the motor that powers the blower itself is faulty. Worn down wiring in the motor can lead to shorts and arcing, and this will almost always cause the circuit breaker to trip. (Stopping electrical shorts is one of the main purposes of breakers.) The motor will need HVAC technicians to replace it.
  • Leaking air ducts: If air is escaping from the ventilation system through breaks and leaks, the furnace will need to keep running to try to replace the lost heated air. The extra workload is often enough to cause a tripped breaker. Ventilation leaks will lead to many other problems as well.
  • Trouble with the electrical panel: It’s possible that the problem isn’t in the furnace or elsewhere in the HVAC system. The electrical panel might be faulty or the individual breaker damaged. Let professionals find out the reason so it can be fixed accurately.

Keep Safe: Call Our Professionals

If you can’t find an easy answer to the circuit breaker problems with your furnace (such as a clogged filter), make sure to call HVAC professionals to look into it and repair it. Attempting to fix a furnace on your own is potentially dangerous! Keep yourself and your family safe and let our experienced heating experts do the job .

Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning: Serving Staten Island’s Heating and AC needs since 1955!

Twitter Link

Tags: gas furnaces , Heating System Repair , Staten Island Monday, February 13th, 2017 at 11:00 am | Categories: Heating |

Comments are closed.

A little something about you, the author. Nothing lengthy, just an overview.

Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • Air Conditioning
  • Home Improvement
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Uncategorized
  • Water Heaters
  • Google Plus
  • Google Maps

Service Hours

Emergency call line answered: 7 Days A Week - 365 Days A Year Service Hours: 8:00 am - 7:00pm

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8 - 5 Saturday: 8 - 12

6326 Amboy Rd , Staten Island , NY 10309

License: 1071056-DCA

Financing available

Cash

© 2016–2024 Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning . All rights reserved.

iMarket Solutions : Dedicated to Contractor Success

why furnace trips breaker

Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and troublesome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker gets thrown once and regular performance returns after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for concern. In this case, an unrelated power surge is typically the reason.

However, you can’t avoid the issue if the breaker flips over and over. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces depend on electricity to power the blower motor and other components. Before you schedule furnace repair , review the most likely reasons your furnace might be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.

1. Overloaded Furnace

Does your furnace run for just a few minutes before throwing the breaker? This might be a result of restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The higher electrical draw can overload the system, strain the circuit and flip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore proper airflow and fix the trouble:

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

2. Full Circuit

HVAC equipment does best on a lone circuit, but this might not happen in older houses. Check the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is working. A wiser, more ongoing solution is to have an electrician put in a dedicated circuit for your HVAC system.

3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault

Does your furnace trigger the circuit breaker immediately upon startup? This could be a result of an electrical issue inside the furnace. An exposed wire may 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 problems can surge the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to diagnose and repair the problem.

4. Electrical Panel Trouble

If you eliminate any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel may be to blame. Lax connections or faulty breakers could lead to erratic performance. If you live in an older residence, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this situation, you need help from an electrician.

Your furnace may continue to trip the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to resolve the issue yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the problem and suggest the needed repair. We’re proud of our work, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to schedule furnace repair, give us a call at 866-397-3787 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.

The Great Debate: Is It More Expensive to Heat or Cool Your Home? blog image

The Great Debate: Is It More Expensive to Heat or Cool Your Home?

Have you realized how your energy bills skyrocket when you’re struggling to keep cool in the heat of summer or cozy during winter’s icy grip? This constant battle has made many homeowners try to learn for themselves whether heating or cooling their home costs more? This question... Continue reading

Spring Checklist: Knock Off the Dust with HVAC Maintenance blog image

Spring Checklist: Knock Off the Dust with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating during the colder months, but March is a time of year when things start happening. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be excited to brush off the cobwebs of winter and throw open the windows. Amid the flurry of organizing and cleaning, don’t neglect your furnace... Continue reading

Stay Cool: 7 Energy-Efficient Ways to Cool Down in Spring blog image

Stay Cool: 7 Energy-Efficient Ways to Cool Down in Spring

As the cold winter days become rarer and the welcome warmth of early spring finally graces your neighborhood, you very well could start thinking about how you’ll keep your living space cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is a great time to use energy-efficient cooling solutions to... Continue reading

Savings For You

Make no payments for 30 days.

  • Upgrade to Worry-Free Comfort with the Advantage Program and make NO payments for 30 days!

$50 OFF ANY REPAIR

  • Save $50 on a Paid Service
  • Written 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Plus, ask how to save an additional 15% and waive your trip charge!

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

© 2024 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *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.

Schedule Online

Chat with a Service Experts Professional

why furnace trips breaker

Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and stressful, namely if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker shuts off once and usual operation returns after you reset it, there is no sudden cause for distress. In this case, a surprise power surge is typically the source.

However, you can’t neglect the problem if the breaker gets thrown over and over. This might happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces depend on electricity to run the blower motor and other pieces. Before you request furnace repair , consider the most common 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 may point to restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw might overload the system, strain the circuit and trip the breaker. Here are some tips to restore steady airflow and take care of the trouble:

  • Change the air filter.
  • Open all air registers and make sure none are restricted 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 happen in older residences. Examine 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 using it while the furnace is working. A better, more permanent solution is to have an electrician install a new circuit for your HVAC system.

3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault

Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This may be evidence of an electrical problem within the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or causes a ground fault if it touches 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 pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to uncover and fix the issue.

4. Electrical Panel Issue

If you rule out any concerns with your furnace, the electrical panel might be the culprit. Shaky connections or damaged breakers can lead to erratic performance. If you own an older home, you could need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or incorrectly installed. In this situation, you need help from an electrician.

Your furnace may continue tripping the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to fix the issue yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for support. Our HVAC Experts can help you identify the issue and suggest the required repair. We’re confident in our work, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to schedule furnace repair, call us at 866-397-3787 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.

Heating vs. Cooling: What Costs More blog image

Heating vs. Cooling: What Costs More

Have you realized how your energy bills increase whenever you try to keep cool in the blazing summer heat or cozy during winter’s icy grip? This reality has made many homeowners want to know whether heating or cooling their home costs more? Trying to find this out isn’t always... Continue reading

Get Your Home Ready for Summer with HVAC Maintenance blog image

Get Your Home Ready for Summer with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is a time of year when things start happening. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be excited to brush off the cobwebs of winter and embrace the promise of spring. Amid the flurry of organizing and cleaning, don’t overlook your HVAC system.... Continue reading

Spring Cooling: 7 Ways to Save on Your AC blog image

Spring Cooling: 7 Ways to Save on Your AC

As icy winter days become rarer and the inviting warmth of early spring takes hold, you may start thinking about how you’ll keep your home cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is the perfect time to implement energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the hot months... Continue reading

Savings For You

$50 off any repair.

  • Save $50 on a Paid Service
  • Written 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Plus, ask how to save an additional 15% and waive your trip charge!

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

MAKE NO PAYMENTS FOR 30 DAYS!

  • Upgrade to Worry-Free Comfort with the Advantage Program and make NO payments for 30 days!

© 2024 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *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.

Schedule Online

Chat with a Service Experts Professional

why furnace trips breaker

Tripped circuit breakers are irritating and stressful, namely if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker trips once and regular operation returns after you reset it, there is no abrupt cause for concern. In this situation, an unrelated power surge is probably the cause.

However, you can’t neglect the issue if the breaker trips repeatedly. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces count on electricity to operate the blower motor and other parts. Before you request furnace repair , double check the most typical reasons your furnace could be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it.

1. Overloaded Furnace

Does your furnace run for a short time before throwing the breaker? This might imply restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder. The larger electrical draw may overheat the system, strain the circuit and trip the breaker. Consider the following tips to restore consistent airflow and fix the trouble:

  • Swap out the air filter.
  • Open all air registers and ensure 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 does best on a lone circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Examine the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a temporary precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is in use. A safer, more lasting solution is to have an electrician create an individual circuit for your HVAC system.

3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault

Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This could be a result of an electrical issue inside the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these problems can surge the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll be better off with an HVAC specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to diagnose and repair the issue.

4. Electrical Panel Problem

If you rule out any trouble with your furnace, the electrical panel may be the culprit. Poor connections or malfunctioning breakers will sometimes lead to irregular performance. If you live in an older house, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s outdated, damaged or poorly installed. In this instance, you need the expertise of an electrician.

Your furnace might continue tripping the circuit breaker despite your efforts to resolve the issue yourself. If this happens, leave the furnace off and reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for assistance. Our HVAC Experts can help you troubleshoot the issue and suggest the required repair. We’re take pride in our work, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to request furnace repair, give us a call 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.

Which Is More Expensive: Heating or Cooling blog image

Which Is More Expensive: Heating or Cooling

Have you ever noticed how your energy bills soar when you’re struggling to keep cool in the heat of summer or warm during winter’s icy grip? This reality has made many homeowners wonder whether heating or cooling their home costs more? This question isn’t necessarily... Continue reading

A Good Spring Cleaning: An HVAC Maintenance Checklist for March blog image

A Good Spring Cleaning: An HVAC Maintenance Checklist for March

You’ve been hibernating away from the cold, but March is the month when things finally start to warm up. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be eager to brush off the cobwebs of winter and embrace the promise of spring. Amid the flurry of organizing and cleaning, don’t neglect your... Continue reading

7 Energy-Efficient HVAC Strategies for Early Spring blog image

7 Energy-Efficient HVAC Strategies for Early Spring

As chilly winter days become rarer and the welcome warmth of early spring takes hold, you might start thinking about how you’ll keep your home cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is a great time to adopt energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the hotter months... Continue reading

Savings For You

$50 off any repair.

  • Save $50 on a Paid Service
  • Written 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Plus, ask how to save an additional 15% and waive your trip charge!

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

MAKE NO PAYMENTS FOR 30 DAYS!

  • Upgrade to Worry-Free Comfort with the Advantage Program and make NO payments for 30 days!

© 2024 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *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.

Schedule Online

Chat with a Service Experts Professional

why furnace trips breaker

Tripped circuit breakers are annoying and stressful, especially if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker gets thrown once and typical function starts after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for concern. In this case, an unrelated power surge is typically the cause. 

However, you can’t neglect the issue if the breaker flips again and again. This can happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces utilize electricity to run the blower motor and other pieces. Before you arrange furnace repair , review the most typical reasons your furnace might be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it. 

1. Overloaded Furnace 

Does your furnace run for a brief time before tripping the breaker? This can stem from restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw might overheat the system, strain the circuit and flip the breaker. Try these tips to restore steady airflow and resolve the problem: 

  • Swap out the air filter. 
  • Open all air registers and ensure none are blocked 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 dedicated circuit, but this may not be the case in older homes. Examine the labels on your electrical panel to find out if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As an interim precaution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid running it while the furnace is working. A safer, more permanent 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 could be a result of an electrical problem in the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it brushes against a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it comes into contact with a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these things can surge the electrical draw enough to flip the circuit. You’ll need an HVAC professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to diagnose and resolve the trouble. 

4. Electrical Panel Issue 

If you exclude any problems with your furnace, the electrical panel could be to blame. Shaky connections or faulty breakers could lead to finicky performance. If you have an older house, you might need to have the panel replaced if it’s obsolete, damaged or inadequately installed. In this case, you need assistance from an electrician. 

Your furnace could continue to trip the circuit breaker in spite of your efforts to fix the issue by yourself. If this occurs, leave the furnace off and reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you find the problem and suggest the required repair. We’re confident in our service, so we back it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more information about us, or to request furnace repair, reach us at 866-397-3787 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. 

The Great Debate: Is It More Expensive to Heat or Cool Your Home? blog image

The Great Debate: Is It More Expensive to Heat or Cool Your Home?

Have you ever noticed how your energy bills soar whenever you try to keep cool in the blazing summer heat or cozy during winter’s coldest nights? This reality has made many homeowners try to learn for themselves whether heating or cooling their home costs more? The answer isn’t... Continue reading

Spring Checklist: Knock Off the Dust with HVAC Maintenance blog image

Spring Checklist: Knock Off the Dust with HVAC Maintenance

You’ve been hibernating all winter, but March is a time of year when things finally start to warm up. If you’re like many homeowners, you may be anxious to leave winter in the dust and throw open the windows. Amid the flurry of straightening up and cleaning, don’t neglect your furnace and... Continue reading

Stay Cool: 7 Energy-Efficient Ways to Cool Down in Spring blog image

Stay Cool: 7 Energy-Efficient Ways to Cool Down in Spring

As chilly winter days become rarer and the inviting warmth of early spring arrives, you may start thinking about how you’ll keep your home cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is an ideal time to adopt energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the warmer months... Continue reading

Savings For You

$50 off any repair.

  • Save $50 on a Paid Service
  • Written 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Plus, ask how to save an additional 15% and waive your trip charge!

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

MAKE NO PAYMENTS FOR 30 DAYS!

  • Upgrade to Worry-Free Comfort with the Advantage Program and make NO payments for 30 days!

© 2024 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *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.

Schedule Online

Chat with a Service Experts Professional

Skip navigation

Your Browser Is Incompatible

You are seeing this message because we have detected you are using Internet Explorer 8 (or older) to browse our site. Unfortunately, this means that your browser is too old to display our site properly and that certain areas of the site may display incorrectly or not at all. Please upgrade to the latest version of Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari in order to view this site.

Need service now? Call Comfort Flow Heating at 541-726-0100

Comfort Flow Heating

541-726-0100

Serving All Of Oregon

  • Commercial HVAC Installation
  • Commercial Rooftop Units
  • Packaged AC Units
  • Commercial Boilers
  • Building Automation Controls
  • Commercial Maintenance Plan
  • Heating Installation
  • Furnace Installation
  • Heat Pump Installation
  • Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Splits
  • Radiant Floor Heating Installation
  • Water Heater Installation
  • Air Conditioning Installation
  • Geothermal Installation
  • Control Solutions
  • AC Repair & Maintenance
  • Water Heater Repair & Maintenance
  • Heating Repair & Maintenance
  • Heat Pump Repair & Maintenance
  • Radiant Heat Repair & Maintenance
  • Furnace Repair & Maintenance
  • Geothermal Repair & Maintenance
  • Refrigeration Service
  • Commercial HVAC Repair & Maintenance
  • Energy Savings Agreement
  • Trane IAQ Products
  • Air Filtration
  • Air Cleaners
  • Humidifiers
  • UV Germicidal Lights
  • Duct Repair
  • Duct Cleaning
  • Duct Sealing
  • Surge Protectors
  • Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Electrical Panels
  • Electrical Wiring and Rewiring
  • Home Automation
  • Community Involvement
  • Photo Gallery
  • Employee Spotlight
  • Affiliations
  • Send a Message
  • Schedule Service
  • Schedule An Estimate
  • Take Our Survey
  • Make a Payment

Why Is My Furnace Causing a Tripped Circuit Breaker?

3-natural-gas-burners

One problem that can occur with a furnace during this time of the year is that it starts to trip the circuit breaker when it turns on. This is something that you can’t ignore! If this happens, don’t simply keep resetting the circuit breaker and trying to carry on for as long as you can until the breaker trips once more. A circuit breaker trips for a reason—to protect the circuit from a large voltage surge—and whenever one trips, it’s a warning that something is wrong.

But… what’s wrong? We’ll take a look below.

Yes, This Happens to Gas Furnaces

This is a common misunderstanding about gas furnaces. Although these furnaces use natural gas combustion to generate heat, they still require electricity to power other components. The majority of natural gas furnaces use electronic ignition systems today rather than pilot lights. But the main electrical component is the blower motor—and as we’ll discuss below, this is the part that’s often responsible for a tripped circuit breaker. (Important reminder: ­ never attempt to diagnose or work on a gas furnace yourself; it can be extremely hazardous .)

Leading Causes of a Furnace Tripping a Circuit Breaker

  • Clogged furnace filter: This is one of the most common causes of a variety of furnace problems, and fortunately it’s simply to prevent and to fix. The filter will become congested with dust, lint, and other debris over the months, and after 1 to 3 months it will begin to put extra strain on the blower motor. The motor is a powerful electric component, and the stress can cause it to overload the circuit. Replace the clogged filter and see if this solves the problem.
  • Leaking air ducts: The reason for the heightened stress on the blower motor could also come from damage to the ducts connected to furnace. The loss of air lowers air pressure in the ductwork, causing the blower fan to work harder. You’ll need to have professional duct sealing to fix this .
  • Damaged motor: The issue may be in the blower motor itself. Worn down insulation can lead to arcing in the motor, and this will almost immediately trigger a tripped circuit breaker. To fix this will require professionals replace the motors.

If there is no simple answer to the problem with the furnace and the circuit breaker, then call for heating repair in Eugene, OR or elsewhere in Oregon for prompt, professional service. Our expert technicians are here with 24-hour emergency service to see that your furnace (or other heating system) is back on track to keep your house warm.

Comfort Flow Heating Serves All of Oregon.

Twitter Link

Tags: Eugene , furnace repair , Heating Repair Monday, February 20th, 2017 at 11:00 am | Categories: Heating |

Comments are closed.

A little something about you, the author. Nothing lengthy, just an overview.

Comfort Flow Heating Blog

  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • Air Conditioning
  • Announcement
  • Commercial HVAC
  • Coupons & Promotions
  • Happy Holidays
  • Home Improvement
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Uncategorized
  • Water Heaters

We're Hiring!

Comfort Flow is growing and looking for top rate talent.

How Does My AC Manage Humidity Levels?

Read Full Article

Should I Upgrade to a Ductless Mini Split?

Air conditioner care tips for pet owners.

All Articles

Join our email list for our tips and specials!

  • Structured Particle *

We accept credit cards, cash, and checks

Visa

Financing Available

MAKE A PAYMENT

Wells Fargo Home Projects Credit Card

1951 Don St , Springfield , OR 97477

541-726-0100   877-815-0100

  • Google Maps

Office Hours

Monday-Friday: 8-5

24 Hour Emergency Service

License Number

We're hiring!

Apply today

  • Service Areas
  • Accessibility Statement

© 2012–2024 Comfort Flow Heating . All rights reserved.

iMarket Solutions : Dedicated to Contractor Success

We're Hiring! Looking For Technicians! Read More

Skip navigation

Your Browser Is Incompatible

You are seeing this message because we have detected you are using Internet Explorer 8 (or older) to browse our site. Unfortunately, this means that your browser is too old to display our site properly and that certain areas of the site may display incorrectly or not at all. Please upgrade to the latest version of Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari in order to view this site.

Need service now? Call Collier's Heating & Air Conditioning at 574-269-3393

Collier's Heating & Air Conditioning

24/7 Emergency Service Available

Collier's Heating & Air Conditioning

A company you've grown to trust.

  • Ductless Systems
  • Geothermal Heating and Cooling
  • Radiant Heating Systems
  • Thermostats
  • Zone Control Systems
  • Central Air Conditioners
  • Residential Geothermal
  • Commercial Geothermal
  • Fireplace Shoppe
  • Solar Attic Fans
  • Solar Panels
  • Commercial Air Conditioning
  • Commercial Heating
  • Ice Machines
  • Air Duct Cleaning
  • Air Filtration Systems
  • Air Purifiers
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Dryer Vent Cleaning
  • Duct Repair and Replacement
  • Duct Sealing
  • Humidifiers
  • Meet The Team
  • Summer Food Drive
  • Feel the Love
  • Affiliations
  • Newsletters
  • Collier's Cares
  • Service Areas
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Send A Message
  • Request An Estimate
  • Schedule Service
  • Leave a review!
  • Refer A Friend
  • HomeSavers Club

Colliers Logo

All Specials

Why Your Furnace Is Tripping the Circuit Breaker

electricians-and-electrical-panel

This time of year can be a troublesome one for home heating systems like furnaces. The major cold weather is almost over, but furnaces have run for so many months that they’re more likely to encounter trouble at this point. We can’t emphasize this enough: no matter when you notice trouble with your furnace, or how deep into spring you notice it, always schedule furnace repair in Plymouth, IN right away. Delaying on repairs or letting them wait until fall can mean a worse repair—or a furnace that breaks down right when you need it.

We’re going to look at a specific furnace problem you might run into this time of year, and it’s one you shouldn’t ignore—when the furnace causes a circuit breaker to trip when it comes. Please don’t keep resetting your breaker if this problem is happening! Something is overloading the circuit and it needs to be dealt with.

Reasons This Might Be Happening

Like most HVAC troubles, there are multiple potential reasons for a tripped circuit breaker:

  • Clogged air filter: If you haven’t regularly swapped out the furnace’s air filter for a clean one (we recommend every 1 to 3 months), the filter may be so clogged up that it’s forcing the blower to work extra hard. If the blower motor puts too much demand on the electrical circuit, the breaker will trip. Change the filter for a new one and see if this helps.
  • Malfunctioning electrical component: Even a gas furnace must rely on electrical components, such as the blower motor. If one of the electrical components has a fault, it can lead to the electrical overload that trips a breaker.
  • Short-circuit or ground fault: A short-circuit can occur in a furnace because of contact between two wires. A ground fault is when a loose hot wire touches the ground or another part of the furnace that can conduct the current into the ground, such as a metal section. Both short-circuits and ground faults cause electrical surges. Please don’t try to look into the furnace and rewire it yourself—only a qualified HVAC technician can do this work.
  • Duct and vent problems: Blocked vents and ducts that are damaged squeeze off airflow will put the extra strain on the blower fan that causes a tripped circuit breaker. Check to see that all the vents in the house are open and unobstructed. If the problem is from damaged ducts, you’ll need ventilation professionals to replace and repair the ducts.
  • Fault in the electrical panel: Finally, the issue may not be with the furnace, but the electrical panel itself. If other circuit breakers have been tripping recently, we recommend calling on an electrician to see if you need an upgraded panel.

Unless the issue is something you can easily remedy (such as putting in a new filter or unblocking vents), always rely on a licensed HVAC professional to take care of the repair. A pro will know what to look for, how to fix it once the problem is found, and how to keep safe when working with electrical components.

Call us anytime for furnace repairs. Collier’s Heating & Air Conditioning—For Over 30 Years, A Company You’ve Come to Trust!

Twitter Link

Tags: furnace repair , Heating System Repair , Plymouth Monday, March 18th, 2019 at 11:00 am | Categories: Heating |

Comments are closed.

A little something about you, the author. Nothing lengthy, just an overview.

Collier's Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • Air Conditioning
  • Community Involvement
  • Home Improvement
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Our Maintenance Plan
  • Uncategorized
  • Water Heaters

Warsaw Office

2315 North Shelby Drive , Warsaw , IN 46580

Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm

Ossian Office

702 S Jefferson St , Ossian , IN 46777

Payment Options

Cash

iMarket Solutions : Dedicated to Contractor Success

© 2016–2024 Collier's Heating & Air Conditioning . All rights reserved.

Check Out Our Awesome Promotions Read More

Skip navigation

You are seeing this message because we have detected you are using Internet Explorer 10 (or older) to browse our site. Unfortunately, this means that your browser is too old to display our site properly and that certain areas of the site may display incorrectly or not at all. Please upgrade to the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari in order to view this site.

Need service now?

Call Carolina Climate Control at 843-870-2076

Carolina Climate Control

843-870-2076

Live Upstate? We serve Greenville, too!

Ask About Our Financing!

why furnace trips breaker

Carolina Climate Control Blog

Why is my furnace tripping the breaker (and other common heating issue questions answered).

If you’re like most people, you probably switch your thermostat to heat when your house gets below 64 degrees Fahrenheit. You probably set your heat to about 65 to 70 degrees. This is just enough to keep you and your family comfortable during the winter months.

But, what happens if something goes wrong with your furnace? Why would a furnace tripping the breaker be a problem?

The bad news is that furnaces can develop many different issues . The good news is that most of them are easily resolved. 

Read on to learn what kind of furnace repair you might need right now.

Furnace Tripping the Breaker

There are two major reasons why the furnace might trip a breaker . Both indicate that there’s a problem with the electrical circuits in your home.

The first possible issue is the breaker itself. This could be because the breaker is old or faulty. It could also be that the breaker isn’t powerful enough to support the furnace.

The other possible issue is the furnace. It might be that the furnace needs more electricity than the breaker can handle. You might need either a smaller furnace or a stronger breaker.

Heating System Won’t Switch On

There are many reasons why a heating system wouldn’t turn on at all. The first, of course, is that the breaker tripped the last time the furnace turned on. This prevents electricity from getting to the furnace in the first place.

It could also be an issue of a short in a wire somewhere. This prevents enough electricity from getting to the furnace to turn it on.

Other issues might include faulty parts or an open service door to the furnace.

Low Airflow

Many internal issues cause a low airflow from your heating system. For this reason, it’s very common among heater issues. Causes range from simple issues like a closed vent to more complicated issues like a failing fan motor.

A closed vent is something you can check and fix yourself, so it’s, fortunately, the cheapest issue to fix. 

Clogs in the vents also prevent air from flowing as well. This issue, however, usually requires professional help to resolve.

Your furnace repair professionals might also check the fan motor to make sure it’s not failing. If it isn’t spinning as fast as it should, you may need a new motor.

Your Furnace Blows Cool Air

Also among the common heating issues is when your HVAC blows cold air instead of hot. The good news is that this indicates that the airflow and fan motor are both fine. The bad news is that this means your furnace isn’t producing heat.

This is usually the result of faulty parts. A good example of this is the pilot light failing. The pilot light is responsible for creating the small flames that generate the heat in the furnace.

If this piece doesn’t work, then you get a furnace that only blows cool air instead of hot.

Burning Smell

This one may or may not be a major issue with your heating system. If you only notice this the first one or two times you turn your furnace on for the winter, then it’s probably alright. The furnace just has some dust in it from the winter.

However, if the smell seems very strong or persists after that, then you may need to have a look at your furnace. This could mean faulty parts or bad wiring. If these issues continue, they could result in an electrical fire.

It’s best to have these issues resolved quickly before that happens.

Short Cycling

Short cycling refers to when your furnace turns on only to turn back off quickly. This is bad for your furnace since it causes more wear on its parts.  There are also many reasons why this might happen.

For example, if your thermostat is right under a vent, this can trick it into thinking that your house is warming up faster than it is. This causes it to turn the furnace off faster than it should. 

It might also be because of faulty parts. Furnaces have built-in safety features to prevent gas leaks and electrical fires. These activate when a problem is detected with a part.

Detecting Carbon Monoxide

If you have a gas furnace, then you should have a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, so the human brain can’t detect it. However, it’s also deadly to those who have prolonged exposure to it. 

Carbon monoxide is produced by your furnace but is supposed to be funneled out by a chimney. This releases the deadly gas into the air and away from human lungs instead of through your home for you to breathe in.

If your detector is going off frequently, you might have a clog in that chimney.

Noisy Heating System

This issue is a matter of trusting your instincts. You know what your heating system sounds like when it runs. That being said, there are many reasons why a furnace would suddenly become noisy. 

For example, there may be a loose part inside of your furnace. When the fan blows, it shakes and rattles that loose part. This vibration travels through the vents and makes your heating system seem quite loud.

If this is the case, it’s best to get an expert out to fix the issue as soon as possible. These issues only get worse if they’re allowed to go on and soon you’ll be dealing with something more serious than a loose part.

Get Your Heating Issues Fixed Today

Whether you have a furnace tripping the breaker or some other issue, it’s always best to resolve it as soon as you can. This prevents the problem from getting worse and costs more to fix.

And the best place to get high-quality HVAC service is right here at Carolina Climate Control. We’re among the best in the business for both AC and heater repair. 

Contact us today and see how we can keep you and your family comfortable this winter.

Twitter Link

Tags: furnace installation , furnace repair Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 at 10:43 am | Categories: Heating |

Comments are closed.

A little something about you, the author. Nothing lengthy, just an overview.

Let’s Get Started

Fill Out The Form Below:

  • First Name *
  • Last Name *
  • Phone Number *
  • What kind of service do you need? (select one) Air Conditioning Heating Plumbing
  • Structured Particle *

Skip navigation

You are seeing this message because we have detected you are using Internet Explorer 10 (or older) to browse our site. Unfortunately, this means that your browser is too old to display our site properly and that certain areas of the site may display incorrectly or not at all. Please upgrade to the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari in order to view this site.

Need service now?

Call Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning at 559-674-2774

Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning

Serving The Fresno & Madera Area

559-674-2774

Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning

Serving The Fresno & Madera Area

On Call 7 Days a Week

Purl's Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Blog

Why is my furnace tripping the circuit breaker.

natural-gas-burner

The temperature outside is dropping, and it’s time to fire up your home’s furnace to keep everyone cozy. You go to the thermostat and adjust the temperature for warmth. But as the furnace comes on, it abruptly shuts down. You check on the circuit breaker panel, and find that one of the breakers has tripped. You re-set it, turn on the furnace again… and it once more trips the circuit breaker and shuts down.

What’s going on? And what can you do about it?

Reasons a Furnace Might Trip a Circuit Breaker

A breaker trips when there is a circuit overload. You may have noticed that a breaker will trip when there are too many appliances plugged into one outlet. If your furnace places too much demand on its electrical circuit, the breaker will trip. (Yes, this can occur with a gas furnace. Gas furnaces contain important electrical components, such as the blower motor.) Here are some furnace issues that may cause this to happen:

  • Clogged air filter: This is the most common cause for a furnace overstraining. If the filter is congested with heavy amounts of dust and dirt, the restriction on airflow will place stress on the blower motor in the air handler, and this can overload the circuit. Replace the filter with a clean one to see if this solves the problem. (Make sure to regularly change the filter to prevent future problems.)
  • Blocked air vents: The vents around a house must remain unobstructed so that there won’t be a rise in pressure inside the ventilation system. If the pressure rises, it forces more work from the blower. Check to see that no vents have been accidentally blocked with moved furniture.
  • Air duct leaks: Leaky air ducts will lead to many problems with an HVAC system, including a furnace that trips the circuit breaker. Air escaping from these leaks means the furnace’s blower fan must work even harder—and again, this can cause a circuit overload. Repairing leaking ductwork requires trained technicians.
  • Motor malfunction in the furnace: The strain on the circuit may be due to a faulty motor in the furnace that is drawing on extra electricity. The faulty part will need heating repair technicians to replace it.

Don’t Keep Resetting the Breaker!

If you’re experiencing a furnace that keeps tripping the breaker, don’t keep resetting the breaker and “soldiering on.” A tripped breaker is a warning: it’s trying to protect the electrical system from damage. Never ignore these warnings. Call on heating repair professionals if there isn’t a simple solution like changing the filter.

The Importance of Heating Specialists

It’s solving problems like a furnace that habitually trips a circuit breaker that makes heating specialists so important. An electrician may be able to find out if there’s trouble with the electrical panel itself or the rest of the electrical system, but it takes an HVAC professionals to determine exactly what is wrong with a furnace—and then fix it. This is particularly important if you have a natural gas furnace, the most common type of heating system found in homes. For safety reasons, only licensed heating professionals should work on diagnosing and repairing a malfunctioning gas furnace.

You can depend on our NATE-certified technicians when you require furnace repair in Fresno, CA or elsewhere in the Central Valley . We’re on call 7 days a week to assist you.

Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning: Quality Is the Cornerstone of Our Success.

Twitter Link

Tags: Fresno , Furnace Repair , Heating Repair Monday, February 13th, 2017 at 11:00 am | Categories: Heating |

Comments are closed.

A little something about you, the author. Nothing lengthy, just an overview.

Local Reviews

Map of Columbus, OH 43204

Excellent service

Sandy - columbus , oh 43204 339 days ago.

Josh, understand what customer service is and he is an excellent example of what it looks like. Josh, thank you for your service. Josh is also an excellent sales man.

Thank you so much for this 5-star review. We really appreciate you being a customer and helping to share the word about us. We’re here for you anytime.

5-star overall rating

Great Service

Anita - columbus , oh 43227 773 days ago.

Technician was very friendly and knowledgeable. Great experience.

3-star rating

Estimate on New System

Joe - columbus , oh 43201 784 days ago.

Josh was very thorough and answered all my questions. I feel better prepared to make sn informed decision.

Your kind words mean a lot to us. Thanks for the positive feedback.

4-star overall rating

Professional HVAC Detective saved my life!

Another satisfied customer - columbus , oh 43212 786 days ago.

My experience with the Sears team has been excellent! I first learned about Sears through my next-door neighbor who has a recent full HVAC install. My neighbor also shared her Mother and Dad have been customers since the 1950's. It is this strong devotion to excellent customer service and professionalism that has kept my neighbor and her family coming back to Sears year after year! Service after the sale is not dead with this organization! I had been having some crazy high bills over the years even before the recent Columbia Gas rate hikes and grew even more concerned over the years when I began to have strange symptoms whenever I was at home. I always felt better away from my home when I was working at the hospital. I now believe it has been low-grade symptoms of CO poisoning- as a healthcare provider I should have put this together sooner! My tech Josh was immediately able to diagnose a cracked heat exchanger that when damaged can leak CO into living spaces or start a fire. He also discovered the capacitance system is below specifications due to poor install from another company- another efficiency and safety hazard. Josh basically with his detective work saved my life from CO poisoning and possible fire as the units in my building had NEVER been serviced by the owner since 1999 install. I am so deeply grateful to Josh and his company. Also, all of my work with the office team and even VP Bryan Meier has been deeply satisfying. This is a company and team that simply loves what they do with a team they love as family- I even feel like they treated me as a family member. If I could give all the stars from heaven for this review I would do it!

Map of Dublin, OH 43017

Angie - Dublin , OH 43017 793 days ago

Josh was amazing! Walked me through all the issues and recommendations. No pressure just great service.

Thanks for leaving us such a wonderful review. We are glad that you loved our services, our dedicated staff will be pleased to learn of your high praise.

Map of Columbus, OH 43220

Great service

Louis - columbus , oh 43220 795 days ago.

John did a great job explaining all issues and delivering cost effective solutions.

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review!

Map of Columbus, OH 43221

Paul - Columbus , OH 43221 828 days ago

Josh always provides great service and really helpful information about our gas fireplace. He makes regular maintenance and repairs a wonderful service experience.

Map of Columbus, OH 43212

Great service.

G - columbus , oh 43212 858 days ago.

Josh is very competent and a pleasure to work with!

4-star rating

Awesome Service

Daniel - columbus , oh 43227 883 days ago.

Cody, was very professional and engaging. He was really thorough and patient about what he was doing and why. That young man (Kody), also have me very interested in purchasing a furnace surge protector….I’ll be calling the office soon about scheduling an appointment to get one installed. He should be considered a valuable asset to your company. Respectfully, Daniel

0-star rating

Overly charged for service

Frank - columbus , oh 43229 885 days ago.

The furnace part replaced costs only $25 at most, but Cody charged me $269 plus $79 for coming in to check the problem. This is highway robbery!

Hi Frank-I'm sorry you feel this way. The price you paid is the cost for us to send a fully licensed and trained tech in a fully stocked truck (on a weekend no less) to your home to fix your furnace. You could have declined the price if you did not agree with it. If we only charged $25 for a repair, we would not be able to pay employees let alone offer them healthcare for them and their families. I would encourage you to call around to other local HVAC companies and compare pricing as I assure you that we are competitive, otherwise we would not still be in business after 72 years. The cost you paid covers the parts, labor, company overhead and a 10% profit. I think 10% profit is fair for the service we provide. Thanks for your comments and we wish you the best in finding another HVAC company that suits your needs.

1-star overall rating

Thank you for the service!

Karen - columbus , oh 43202 913 days ago, bruce - westerville , oh 43081 916 days ago.

Josh explained the issues and went out of his way to finish the job on one service call!

Great Service!!

Eric - upper arlington , oh 43212 926 days ago.

We recently moved back into the area and when it comes to anything related to HVAC our choice was simple! Sears Heating and Cooling! Professional, thorough, and made appropriate recommendations given the age of our furnace. Simple transaction and confident going into the Winter.

Thank you for the 5 star rating. We sincerely appreciate your business.

Very thorough and professional service

Steve - columbus , oh 43212 1017 days ago.

Josh was great. He answered all my questions and provided very good advice on a new system we plan to do next year.

Best service!

Colleen - west jefferson , oh 43162 1021 days ago.

Josh has come to our home twice to service our Mitsubishi mini- split. He is very thorough, professional, personable and remembered our dogs name and gave her a treat! She loves when he visits and she is picky!! We will continue to request Josh and also plan to transfer our other service needs ( ac and furnace) to Sears because of Josh. He is the Best!!

Thank you so much for your 5-star review! We will share this with the team to let them know to keep up the amazing work.

Job Well Done

Michael - columbus , oh 43224 1023 days ago.

Nice guy, gave me the details I needed to make an informed decision, did the work thoroughly and quickly, easy to work with. Good experience.

We are pleased to know your experience with us was a good one!

Great Service!

James - columbus , oh 43224 1036 days ago.

Service call placed and someone was out within a few hours. Love Sears HC! They have great installers and awesome customer service.

It was a pleasure serving you and your family. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback with us and the community.

Excellent Service

Debbie - columbus , oh 43221 1038 days ago.

Josh arrived at the time he said he would. He was very nice and professional. He did a good job explaining what was wrong with my AC and fixed it in a very timely fashion. It was greatly appreciated since it was miserably hot outside! I also really appreciate him not trying to “upsell” -I would definitely have him come back if I needed assistance again

Great visit

Dan - columbus , oh 43204 1047 days ago.

Josh came out to diagnose my AC not kicking on. He quickly traced the issue, and cleaned the outside unit and did a little upgrade to help reduce west and voltage on startup. Very professional and friendly. Would highly recommend him and Sears H&C!

Great service!

Maria - columbus , oh 43204 1052 days ago.

Josh was great. He was very quick and explained what he was doing thoroughly. I felt that he was honest and he was also great with our dog!

Quick service

Sears - columbus , oh 43229 1062 days ago.

Joshua was very knowledgeable and I felt confident with his services.

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this amazing review!

Great Service and Pricing.

Cynthia - marble cliff , oh 43212 1065 days ago.

Josh fixed the issue in no time at all. He arrived on time and happily and candidly answered questions with patience.

Joanna - Columbus , OH 43204 1068 days ago

The service was quick and professional. I appreciated being given a menu of options to decide between when choosing the service that was best for us. Answered all my questions and was personable and thorough.

Thank you for sharing your kind words with us. It means the world to us and to our entire team!

Bryan - Columbus , OH 43209 1074 days ago

We really appreciated Joshua coming out quickly and explaining everything he was doing. He was very detailed and had the necessary parts to fix our system. Highly recommend him.

very professional

Steve - columbus , oh 43085 1080 days ago.

Jamie S.

Cost to install Central air conditioning

Columbus, OH - Cost to install Central air conditioning

Annual maintenance check on a Rheem air conditioner

Trent B.

Maintenance. Check on a Bryant air conditioner.

Cost to install Central air conditioning and furnace

Columbus, OH - Cost to install Central air conditioning and furnace

Cost to replace heat pump system in attic

Columbus, OH - Cost to replace heat pump system in attic

Marketing manager. Capacitor 45/5 performance kit. Bryant 2017 ac

Grove City, OH - Marketing manager. Capacitor 45/5 performance kit. Bryant 2017 ac

Replaced ac contactor due to ant damage.

No contact maintenance check on a Lennox air conditioner

Cost to install propane furnace and heat pump. Cost to install air conditioning.

London, OH - Cost to install propane furnace and heat pump. Cost to install air conditioning.

Marketing manager 210 filter tab added 40/5 capacitor

Dublin, OH - Marketing manager 210 filter tab added 40/5 capacitor

Ac maintenance

Robby D.

Performed yearly maintenance and safety checks on 23 Bryant air conditioning system. Found 35/5 voltage absorption system reading 34.9/4.9.. 74 inrush amps. No issues at this time. 51 degree ambient.

Annual maintenance check on a Rheem heat pump

Performed yearly maintenance and safety checks on 2000 Rheem air conditioning system. Found 35/3.5 voltage absorption system reading 32.1/2.8. 72 in Rush amps 71/51 no concerns

Customer has whirlpool water heater that has a bad gas valve, gas valve is obsolete. Technician left multiple options for replacement from tankless to tanked.

Hareth A.

Ac check and maintenance on 2005 Bryant system system wasn’t working tech found a leak and pressure switch was open

Cost to install air conditioning

Gahanna, OH - Cost to install air conditioning

Annual maintenance check on a Bryant air conditioner

Cost to replace air condition. Cost to install air conditioning with 0% financing.

Columbus, OH - Cost to replace air condition. Cost to install air conditioning with 0% financing.

Why Is My Furnace Tripping the Circuit Breaker?

Circuit Breaker Image

My Furnace Is Tripping The Circuit Breaker. What’s Going On?

The last thing you want to deal with on a cold night is a furnace that refuses to work.

It’s never fun to deal with a furnace that refuses to work on a cold day or night.

If you’ve recently noticed that your furnace keeps tripping your circuit breaker when you go to turn it on, here is some background as well as possible causes.

Electricity & Your Furnace

Although your furnace may use natural gas, propane or oil to heat your home, it also needs a good dose of electricity to power all of it’s electrical components.

Some of the largest parts in your furnace that use electricity include the circuit board,  blower motor  as well as the gas valve.

If you have an older furnace, it may utilize a  standing pilot light  instead of a electronic ignition source.

Most Common Cause: Stressed Blower Motor

The most common cause for your furnace to trip your circuit breaker in your blower motor overworking itself.

The blower motor can begin to overwork itself when air flow to the motor becomes restricted.

One of the largest causes of this is a dirty air filter.

If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, be sure to check to make sure it’s not overly dirty.

A dirty filter can also cause your  furnace to short cycle .

Standard 1 inch filters should generally be changed once every 30 days.

If you have a thicker media filter, they can usually last 6-12 months depending on your home environment.

You will also want to verify that all of the air ducts in your home are open and free from debris as this can also lead to stress on your blower motor.

A blower motor is usually a costly  furnace repair , so care should be taken to prevent it.

What You Can Do

As previously stated, the main thing to check is your furnace filter.

Go ahead and change it and flip the breaker back on again.

If the breaker continues to turn back off, it’s time to call an HVAC professional to diagnose your furnace!

Any attempts to repair something you are unfamiliar with can lead to more damage.

Your  HVAC system  may  keep tripping the circuit breaker because :

  • Your air filters are clogged.
  • Your HVAC system has a refrigerant leak.
  • Your HVAC’s capacitor or motor is broken.
  • Your HVAC system’s wiring is loose or worn out.

If your HVAC system keeps tripping the circuit breaker, you should identify what issue is causing it and have it addressed right away. Allowing the process to persist can pose a threat to the operation of your HVAC system as well as lead to further damage.  Call us today  to get your  HVAC system repaired .

Some things that may cause a  furnace to not turn on  include:

  • The air filters are dirty or clogged.
  • The thermostat is not set correctly.
  • The ignitor sensor is dirty.

Sometimes, the reason behind your furnace not starting is simple and easy to fix. Although, other times it may require a bigger repair. If your furnace is not kicking on and you have determined it is not due to one of the issues above, you should have an HVAC technician repair your furnace.  Contact us today to have your furnace repaired .

Yes, a bad thermostat can cause your furnace not to work . When your thermostat is unable to properly register the temperature in your home, it fails to communicate with your furnace to turn it on. If you believe your thermostat is the reason your furnace is not working, you should check the power supply to the thermostat and inside the thermostat to check for dirt, dust, loose screws or loose wires. To get your  furnace working again ,  call Sears Heating & Cooling today .

An Expert Team, An Unshakeable Work Ethic, A Guarantee Of Service

Sears Heating & Cooling can care for every aspect of your home HVAC service, and we do so with a commitment to quality and a passion for excellence you won't soon forget. There are many contractors you can call. There's only one you need to.

100% Relief

Bryan Dealer Logo

IMAGES

  1. 3 Reasons Your Furnace Is Tripping the Circuit Breaker

    why furnace trips breaker

  2. Furnace Trips Circuit Breaker: Common Causes & Solutions

    why furnace trips breaker

  3. Furnace Trips Circuit Breaker: Common Causes & Solutions

    why furnace trips breaker

  4. Furnace Tripping Circuit Breaker? Here's What to Check

    why furnace trips breaker

  5. Major Reasons Why Your Furnace Tripping The Circuit Breaker

    why furnace trips breaker

  6. Furnace Trips Circuit Breaker: Common Causes & Solutions

    why furnace trips breaker

VIDEO

  1. Electrician Troubleshoot Breaker Tripped From a Space Heater

  2. High limit fault on furnaces

  3. Why and how Circuit Breaker trips ( complete details)

  4. Troubleshooting: Why Your GOODMAN AC System Trips Breaker & Stops Cooling

  5. Why Furnace Maintenance & Tune Up is Important ?

  6. Explanation on the discoloration on the inside of a circuit breaker

COMMENTS

  1. Furnace Tripping Circuit Breaker? Here's What to Check

    3. Blower motor is bad. A bad blower motor is another cause for a tripping circuit breaker. One way that a blower motor can go bad is by seizing up. A seized motor will almost always trip a circuit breaker. It's easy to tell if a blower motor is seized- you just turn it with your hand.

  2. 5 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

    There are multiple reasons why your furnace may be tripping your circuit breaker. Let's go over 6 common ones. 1. Your Furnace Filter Is Dirty. When the air filter in your HVAC system is clogged, it prevents free airflow. This, in turn, causes your system to use additional power to heat your home.

  3. Why is my Furnace tripping my Circuit Breaker?

    Signs That It's Your Furnace Tripping the Breaker. The circuit breaker trips immediately when the furnace kicks on or while it's actively running. If the breaker holds steady until the furnace starts doing its thing, that's a red flag. Resetting the tripped breaker leads to an almost instant re-trip once you try firing up the furnace again.

  4. 5 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

    6 Reasons Why Your Home Furnace Is Regularly Tripping The Circuit Breaker. 1. The Furnace Filter Is Clogged. Your furnace might be working overtime if the unit has a clogged filter. Dirt inhibits the free flow of air, and thus, the system has to compensate by using additional power to improve its use.

  5. Help! My Furnace Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

    Worn-out wiring within the blower motor can cause an increase in electrical demands, overloads, arcing, and short circuits, leading to a furnace breaker that keeps tripping. Installing a new blower motor, including installation, costs about $550. Blocked vents can also raise the air pressure inside the HVAC system, increasing stress on the ...

  6. Furnace Trips Circuit Breaker: Causes & Solutions

    2 6 Likely Reasons Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker. 2.1 1. Clogged Furnace Filter; 2.2 2. Blocked HVAC Air Vents Or Registers; 2.3 3. Issues With Your Furnace Motor; 2.4 4. HVAC Ductwork Is Leaking; 2.5 5. Electric Panel Needs A Repair; 2.6 6. Overloaded, Shared Circuit; 3 What You Should Do If Your Furnace Trips The Circuit ...

  7. Six Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

    A circuit breaker that trips mean that the furnace will stop working as well. Your home will become susceptible to cold when this happens. A power surge can cause the breaker to trip, but a simple furnace reset will put it back up in working order. However, a furnace trips circuit breaker repeatedly points to a bigger problem. Resets won't be ...

  8. 6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

    Six Reasons Why Furnaces Constantly Trip the Circuit Breaker. The breaker should not be tripping constantly. This abnormal situation can't be solved by a reset alone. An HVAC technician should look at the system and diagnose the problem. After identifying the root cause, a suitable remedy can be implemented. Call Today: (800) 888-2888 1.

  9. Why Does My Furnace Keep Tripping the Breaker?

    If your furnace works for a while when you turn it on but suddenly trips the breaker, it's likely an overloading problem. Several factors can cause this issue, including the following: Clogged air filter: Imagine pressing a towel up to your face and trying to breathe. It's possible, but it requires more effort.

  10. Reasons Your Furnace Trips the Circuit Breaker: Understanding for

    A tripping furnace breaker can be more than a mere inconvenience; it can indicate underlying issues that can compromise your home's safety and comfort. By understanding the common causes and addressing them proactively, you can prevent disruptions in your furnace's operation and maintain an optimal temperature throughout the colder months. ...

  11. Furnace Tripping Circuit Breaker: The Top Reasons Why It Happens

    A few of the most common reasons include: There might be a problem with your ductwork, restricting the airflow throughout your home. There might be a component that is not working properly in the furnace itself. Your air filter might be clogged, forcing your furnace to work too hard. There could be a blocked air vent that places a tremendous ...

  12. Why Furnace Tripping Your Circuit Breaker? A Comprehensive Guide

    Step 1: Turn off the furnace: Before beginning any troubleshooting, turn off the furnace to ensure your safety. You can do this by flipping the switch on the furnace itself or the circuit breaker panel. Step 2: Check the circuit breaker: If the circuit breaker trips, check it. If so, turn it on and see if it trips again.

  13. 4 Reasons Why Your Furnace Can Trip the Circuit Breaker

    Cause #3: Short circuit or ground fault in your furnace. A furnace that starts up but immediately trips the breaker can be caused by an electrical short circuit or ground fault inside of the furnace itself. Short circuits in your furnace happen when a bare hot wire comes in contact with a neutral wire.

  14. 5 Reasons Furnace Trips the Circuit Breaker

    The main cause of a circuit overload from a furnace is due to the blower motor. All furnaces, regardless of their energy source, have an electrically-powered blower motor. 5 Possible Reasons for the Circuit Breaker Tripping. Clogged air filter: You must change the furnace's filter on a regular basis (every 1 to 3 months depending on the ...

  15. Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping the Breaker

    4 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Tripping Your Circuit Breaker and How to Fix It Tripped circuit breakers are frustrating and troublesome, especially if it seems like the furnace is the culprit. If your breaker gets thrown once and regular performance returns after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for concern.

  16. Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping the Breaker

    Before you request furnace repair, consider the most common 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 may point to restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents compels your furnace to work harder.

  17. Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping the Breaker

    Before you request furnace repair, double check the most typical reasons your furnace could be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can prevent it. 1. Overloaded Furnace. Does your furnace run for a short time before throwing the breaker? This might imply restricted airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents force your furnace to work harder.

  18. Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping the Breaker

    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. Overheated Furnace . Does your furnace work for just a few minutes before tripping the breaker? This can imply weak airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder.

  19. Why Is My Furnace Tripping the Breaker?

    Leading Causes of a Furnace Tripping a Circuit Breaker. Clogged furnace filter: This is one of the most common causes of a variety of furnace problems, and fortunately it's simply to prevent and to fix. The filter will become congested with dust, lint, and other debris over the months, and after 1 to 3 months it will begin to put extra strain ...

  20. Why Your Furnace Is Tripping the Circuit Breaker

    Malfunctioning electrical component: Even a gas furnace must rely on electrical components, such as the blower motor. If one of the electrical components has a fault, it can lead to the electrical overload that trips a breaker. Short-circuit or ground fault: A short-circuit can occur in a furnace because of contact between two wires. A ground ...

  21. Why Is My Furnace Tripping the Breaker? (And Other Common Heating Issue

    Furnace Tripping the Breaker . There are two major reasons why the furnace might trip a breaker. Both indicate that there's a problem with the electrical circuits in your home. The first possible issue is the breaker itself. This could be because the breaker is old or faulty. It could also be that the breaker isn't powerful enough to ...

  22. Why Is My Furnace Tripping the Circuit Breaker?

    A breaker trips when there is a circuit overload. You may have noticed that a breaker will trip when there are too many appliances plugged into one outlet. If your furnace places too much demand on its electrical circuit, the breaker will trip. (Yes, this can occur with a gas furnace. Gas furnaces contain important electrical components, such ...

  23. Why Is My Furnace Tripping the Circuit Breaker?

    Most Common Cause: Stressed Blower Motor. The most common cause for your furnace to trip your circuit breaker in your blower motor overworking itself. The blower motor can begin to overwork itself when air flow to the motor becomes restricted. One of the largest causes of this is a dirty air filter. If you haven't changed your filter in a ...