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
Contents
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
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
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
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
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.
Conclusion
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
Looking for reliable heating and cooling services in the area? No worries. PFO Heating & Air Conditioning offers excellent HVAC installation, replacements, maintenance, and repairs. Our professionally certified technicians are knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled to conduct correct and quick HVAC services.
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!