6 Reasons Why Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

image of hvac technician checking furnace circuit

While each furnace may use a different fuel source, most require electricity for regular operation. If the electricity is disrupted for any reason, whether it be a power outage or the furnace trips circuit breaker, then homeowners are left with a cold house until the problem is solved. If the issue is due to a rare power surge, then a simple reset on the furnace should bring waves of warmth back to the house. However, if the problem recurs after the reset, then a greater issue could be at play. It is imperative that it is identified and resolved. Often, this requires the help of an expert. Continue reading to find out more about this issue.

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Why Does My Furnace Need Electricity In The First Place?

Your furnace may use fuel oil, propane, natural gas, or another type of fuel actually to heat the air that is moved through your home. Still, certain components within the furnace require electrical power. This is why a furnace stops working if the power supply is cut off for any reason. Electricity should flow continuously for the furnace to perform optimally.

Blower Motor

One component of the furnace that requires electricity is the blower motor. This device is what pushes the warm air from the furnace into the rest of the house. When there is no electricity to power the motor, the motor stops and the air heated remains in one spot instead of being circulated around your home.

Electronic Ignition

Another component within a furnace that may require electricity is the ignition. While electronic ignitions are more reliable than the pilot lights found in older furnaces, its downfall is that it does depend on electricity to function. Therefore, if your furnace has an electronic ignition, but you have no electricity, then your furnace will not turn on.

image of a furnace circuit breaker repair

6 Possible Reasons Your Furnace Keeps Tripping Your Circuit Breaker

If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, causing your furnace to turn off, this should be considered unusual. It is a sign that your furnace requires professional attention. To stop your furnace from continuously tripping your breaker, you must identify why it is happening in the first place. Below are the six of the most common reasons for this:

1. Clogged Furnace Filter

If the filter on your furnace is clogged, it will work harder than the circuit can handle. Dirt in the filter prevents the air from flowing freely, so the system compensates by increasing the amount of power to improve heating performance. When this happens, the circuit can become overloaded and trip the breaker. If the HVAC filter appears dirty, replace it. After, create a schedule whereby you check the furnace filter every month and replace it when necessary to avoid this issue.

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2. Blocked HVAC Air Vents Or Registers

Air vents and registers should not be blocked. If they are, this can cause the furnace to work harder to heat up the home. This increases the amount of power used in the process, thus potentially overloading the circuit. Check around your home to see if any vents or registers are closed or covered by furniture, curtains, rugs, etc. Remove these blockages for optimal airflow.

image of hvac air vents

3. There Are Issues With Your Furnace Motor

It is possible that your furnace’s motor is failing. A likely culprit here is wiring that has become worn after many years of service. This can cause shorts and other issues that could trip the circuit breaker. If this is the case, an HVAC technician will need to replace the motor in your furnace. Once a new furnace motor is installed, make sure it is regularly maintained.

4. Your HVAC Ductwork Is Leaking

If your ductwork is leaking the warm air created by your furnace, it will make the furnace work even harder to attempt to reach the desired temperature in your home. This additional workload can cause the circuit breaker to trip.

image of hvac air ducts

 

5. Your Electric Panel Needs A Repair

It is possible that the cause of the problem is actually outside of your furnace. Your electrical panel may be causing the issue. If this is the case, it will need to be repaired immediately by a professional.

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6. You Have An Overloaded, Shared Circuit

Your furnace requires a lot of power. As such, it should be on its own circuit to lessen the chances of overloading your furnace. Lights, appliances, and electrical outlets should not share a circuit with your furnace.

What Should You Do If Your Furnace Trips The Circuit Breaker?

1. Check The Furnace Air Filter

Homeowners should check the air filter on their furnace monthly. Regularly assessing the amount of dirt built up on the filter and proactively changing it will help eliminate the chances that your furnace’s performance will suffer.

image of a dirty hvac air filter

 

2. Make Sure Your HVAC Air Vents Have Proper Air Flow And Are Not Obstructed

Air vents must be unobstructed in order for a furnace to perform optimally. They should be open and not blocked by furniture, curtains, carpets, etc.

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3. Call An HVAC Contractor For A Professional Ductwork Inspection

If your furnace is not performing optimally and you think it is due to your ductwork, call a professional HVAC contractor to inspect it and clean it if/when necessary. This job is quick and efficient when left to an expert.

image of an hvac ductwork inspection and repair

 

4. Call An HVAC Professional For Furnace Repair

Another job best left to the experts is furnace repair. While homeowners may be tempted to make repairs on their own, it is important to note that this may not actually save any money in the long run and will likely make an already stressful situation worse. To make sure your furnace repair goes quickly and reliably, it is best to call a professional.

In the end, be aware that if your furnace is causing a circuit breaker to trip, it can be a sign of a serious issue. Common triggers should be checked at the first sign of trouble. Putting off finding the reason for frequent breaker trips can lead to fires and other dangers. Calling a professional immediately can help quickly identify the cause and solution and give you peace of mind.

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Call McAllister Energy For Trusted Furnace Services

McAllister Energy
McAllister Energy offers superior heating and cooling services in the area. Our team of NATE-certified technicians are the best in their field and can provide a variety of HVAC services, including tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Our techs have the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system correctly and keep it running.

If your HVAC system requires repair or replacement, contact McAllister Energy. We offer the most competitive pricing in the area. We back our work with a guarantee, so you know you’re in good hands. Our services ensure that energy efficiency, indoor air quality, comfort, and more. Call us today to schedule an appointment for a free, in-home estimate.
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