Why do I have to keep resetting the breaker for my furnace?

Author: Rosetta Frami  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Cause #1: Overloaded furnace If your furnace turns on, works for a little while but then quickly trips the breaker, this is likely the problem. Several problems can cause your furnace to become overloaded, including: A dirty air filter—A dirty filter suffocates your furnace.

Why does my furnace need frequent power resets?

If you have a gas or oil furnace, it can run out of fuel, triggering the reset button. Check the fuel tank to discover if it's empty, and an HVAC technician can refill the tank without hassle. Frequent power surges or outages can also present a problem if you have an electric furnace.

Why does my furnace keep kicking the breaker?

Cause #1: Airflow issues

That can lead to a tripped breaker. The most common airflow issues are clogged filters, blocked supply registers, and blocked return air vents. Clogged ducts or leaky air ducts can also disrupt airflow and cause the furnace to work harder and run longer, with a tripped breaker as the result.

Why does my furnace keep tripping the reset button?

Overheating is the number one cause of reset button trips. If your furnace is cloistered somewhere where there isn't enough airflow, it may become overheated repeatedly, leading to frequent reset button trips. No Fuel.

Why do I keep having to reset my breaker?

Although you could just reset the circuit breaker every time it trips, figuring out the root of the problem will help you fix it once and for all. Common reasons your breaker keeps tripping include circuit overload, a short circuit, or a ground fault.

Why do I have to keep resetting my furnace?

How do I find out why my breaker keeps tripping?

How to Find What is Tripping My Circuit Breaker
  • Understand Your Circuit Breaker. ...
  • Identify the Circuit. ...
  • Check for Overloaded Circuits. ...
  • Look for Short Circuits. ...
  • Assess Faulty Appliances: ...
  • Examine Outdoor Electrical Components. ...
  • Seek Professional Help.

How many times can a circuit breaker be reset?

It is safe to reset a breaker only if it has been determined that the circuit was overloaded. Repeatedly resetting a breaker could result in an arc flash or a fire. If the cause is due to a short-circuit or a ground fault, a qualified electrician must be notified to investigate the problem.

Why do I have to keep pressing the reset button on my furnace?

If a furnace isn't receiving enough airflow, it may overheat and trigger the reset button to trip. Make sure to clean or replace the air filters and keep the air vents open enough for proper airflow. Occasionally, the flame sensor rod may be coated with dirt and debris, causing the furnace to shut off.

How many times can I hit the reset button on my furnace?

You should not reset the burner more than two or three times, the reason is you may be pumping some fuel into the heat exchanger that is not igniting.

Why does my furnace switch keep tripping?

Overheating. If the air inside your furnace gets too hot, the limit switch trips to prevent overheating. If the furnace high limit switch trips due to overheating, there is likely an airflow issue that is preventing proper air movement through the system. Check your air filter, and replace it if dirty.

Why does my HVAC breaker keep tripping?

If your air conditioner is tripping the breaker, there can be a range of issues behind it, such as a dirty air filter, dirty condenser coils, fan damage in the outdoor unit, a faulty compressor, damaged or loose electrical wiring, or a bad circuit breaker.

How do I stop my heater from tripping the breaker?

As a brief measure, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid operating it while the furnace is running. A better, more permanent solution is to have an electrician put in an individual circuit for your HVAC system.

Why does my furnace keep trying to kick on?

The top causes to blame when a furnace kicks on and off are: The air filter needs changed. The thermostat batteries need to be replaced. Blower motor malfunctions.

Why does furnace trip the circuit breaker?

A clogged filter might lead your furnace to overwork itself. Dirt in the filter obstructs the free flow of air. As a result, the system will consume more power to compensate this to improve its heating performance. The excess consumption of power can lead to a circuit overload, therefore, tripping the breakers.

How do you know if you have a bad flame sensor?

Short cycling is a common sign of a bad flame sensor. The sensor thinks that there isn't a flame, so it shuts off the gas as a safety mechanism. Except, there is a flame and without the gas to supply it, it dies. This is a frustrating problem, but an HVAC technician can fix it.

Why does my furnace keep restarting?

If your furnace keeps turning off and on, your thermostat may be the culprit. A malfunctioning or improperly placed thermostat can cause your furnace to short cycle. Common issues include: Old wiring or dead batteries: Replace batteries or old wiring to ensure accurate temperature readings.

Why does my furnace reset button keep popping?

A heating system reset button is a vital function of your heating and cooling system. Created to rapidly turn the system off, the feature is essential to securely heat your house. If your furnace reset button keeps tripping, it's most likely that your heater is overheating.

How long to leave furnace off to reset?

Leave the breaker(s) off for at least 10 minutes while the system is off and “rebooting.” After 10 minutes have elapsed, go back to the breaker box and flip the HVAC breaker(s) back on.

Do furnace limit switches go bad?

They can fail if they are left open, if the pressure is too high, or if the temperature is too high. If you want to prevent limit switches from failing, it is important to ensure that they are properly installed and maintained.

Why does my heater keep tripping the reset button?

Overheating of Furnaces also triggers the reset button to trip and shut off your furnace. This event may occur when your furnace is not receiving adequate air flow thus overheating it. Therefore, ensure to check the air filters and the vents to ensure there is proper airflow.

Why does my furnace thermostat keep resetting?

If the thermostat keeps turning on and off, try replacing the batteries first. Faulty wiring – Loose wires or bad connections can cause intermittent power loss to the thermostat. Compatibility – Newly installed or replacement thermostats that repeatedly reboot may not be compatible with the home's HVAC system.

Why does my furnace keep trying to start?

Common causes of furnace short cycling include restricted airflow, a malfunctioning flame sensor, or a poorly placed thermostat.

How to tell when a breaker is bad?

How to Tell if a Circuit Breaker Is Bad
  1. It's Frequently Tripping.
  2. You Notice Visible Damage.
  3. It Won't Stay Reset.
  4. It's Hot to Touch.
  5. You Notice a Burning Smell.
  6. You Experienced a Recent Electrical Surge.
  7. Your Breaker Is Old and Worn Out.
  8. You Have an Overloaded Circuit.

Why do I have to reset my breaker?

Overloaded circuit: The most common reason for a breaker to trip is that the circuit becomes temporarily overloaded. This occurs when too many high-wattage appliances are plugged into outlets on the same circuit.

What happens if you repeatedly trip a breaker?

Don't ignore a circuit breaker that keeps tripping. This is a sign that one of your circuits is getting overloaded on a regular basis. Your circuits are only able to handle up to a certain level of voltage. Beyond this voltage, you run the risk of starting an electrical fire.

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