Why Is Your Furnace Tripping the Circuit Breaker in Hampton, VA?

If your furnace keeps tripping your breaker, you might wonder if it is time to call a professional in Hampton, VA. This could happen for many reasons. Keep reading to find out what types of furnace issues might cause your circuit breaker to trip.

Overloaded Shared Circuit

Your furnace should be on its own breaker, but in some older homes, it might share a circuit with another appliance. This can place too much load on the circuit. Both appliances may be too much for the breaker when they are running at the same time.

One solution to this problem is to refrain from simultaneously running both appliances. A better alternative is to have an electrician move the furnace to its own breaker. If you have a whole home generator, you can run multiple major appliances at a time.

Furnace Working Too Hard

Several things can cause your furnace to work harder and possibly trip breakers. If you have a dirty air filter, blocked air vents or restricted airflow in your ductwork, it can cause breakers to trip. A malfunctioning part is another possible culprit.

Improper furnace installation is another important factor to consider when ensuring that your unit is operating properly. A professional can resolve any of these issues.

Short Circuits

A short circuit or ground fault can occur in the furnace and cause a potential fire hazard. A ground fault is when a bare wire touches a grounded wire or the outer box of the unit. A short circuit will trip a breaker.

The reason why your furnace trips breakers can be minor or a sign that your furnace needs major repairs. If your furnace is tripping breakers, contact Lighthouse Mechanical Heating and Cooling in Hampton, VA to schedule a furnace repair appointment.

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