When a circuit is overloaded, the breaker trips to prevent damage. Your furnace should be connected to a dedicated breaker and ideally, shouldn’t overload the system. If your furnace tripped the breaker, something has seriously gone wrong and you’ll want to find the root of the problem before it causes major damage.

Check and Change the Furnace Filter
Most often, if a furnace tripped the breaker it’s because of a dirty air filter. Clogged filters restrict air flow and can strain the system causing the circuit to overload. Change the filter, reset the breaker and turn on your furnace. If this fixes the problem, remember to regularly check and change the filter to prevent future overloads.

Blocked Air Vents
If you’ve recently rearranged the furniture in your home, take a moment to ensure that all the vents and registers are clear of obstructions. Similar to a clogged filter, blocked air vents can overload the system and trip the breakers. Also, remember that intentionally closing vents to rooms can cause the heating system to overload. Never close vents, it doesn’t save you money or increase efficiency.

If you’ve changed the air filter and checked for blocked air vents and the furnace continues to trip the breaker, you should call for heating service, as there could be a severe leak in the ducts or the motor might be malfunctioning. Either way, it requires a professional technician to diagnose and repair.

Please don’t continue to reset the breaker—you could be causing extensive damage to your HVAC system.

Contact us today to schedule your furnace repair or if you have any questions—we’re always happy to help!

Since 1967, Fahrhall Home Comfort Specialists has been providing reliable heating, cooling, plumbing and air quality service and installation to customers in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions.

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