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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
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.
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2. Blocked HVAC Air Vents Or Registers
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.
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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
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.
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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
Conclusion
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 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.
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