How to reset the circuit breaker for an electric furnace

Sometimes, the solution to your electric furnace issue can be as simple as resetting the circuit breaker. If your furnace stops working or you’ve had a power surge, a quick reset might do the trick. This article will walk you through how to safely reset your furnace’s circuit breaker and check for other potential issues, so you can get your furnace back to working order without any hassle.

Please note: The information provided here may not align perfectly with your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful tips for a wide range of DIY appliance repairs, different models and setups may require unique troubleshooting steps, error codes, or part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we recommend consulting the user manual for your appliance or contacting us with any questions.

The role of the circuit breaker in your furnace

The circuit breaker in your furnace is designed to protect it from electrical damage by cutting off the power when there’s an overload or surge. It’s a safety mechanism that helps prevent fires or further electrical issues by breaking the flow of electricity if something goes wrong. In many cases, a simple trip is caused by something like a power surge, and a reset of the breaker can get the furnace working again. Here’s how it works:

• If the furnace pulls too much power, the circuit breaker trips to prevent overheating or damage to the furnace’s electrical components.
• If there’s a short circuit, meaning electricity is flowing somewhere it shouldn’t, the breaker will trip to stop the flow of power and prevent a fire.
• A bad part, like a blower motor or heating element, can cause a surge or imbalance in power, which can cause the circuit breaker to trip.

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How to find the circuit breaker for your furnace

The circuit breaker that controls your furnace is usually located in your home’s main electrical panel. It’s typically a simple process to locate it, but it’s important to know exactly where it is so you can safely reset it. Here’s how to find the breaker for your furnace:

1. The electrical panel is usually found in basements, garages, utility rooms, or hallways. It’s a metal box with rows of switches.
2. The breaker dedicated to your furnace will often be labeled with “furnace,” “HVAC,” or “heater.” It might also be labeled with the amperage rating, such as “30A” or “40A.” If you’re unsure, refer to your home’s electrical diagram or the furnace’s manual for the exact breaker location.
3. When a breaker trips, it may move to the “off” position or sometimes appear to be in between “on” and “off.” You’ll know it’s tripped if the switch is not fully aligned with the others.

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How to safely reset the circuit breaker

Resetting the circuit breaker is a simple process, but it’s important to do it safely. Here’s how to reset the breaker and get your furnace back in action:

1. Before resetting the breaker, it’s a good idea to turn off your furnace completely. Set the thermostat to the “off” position and power down the furnace. This ensures no electrical components are running while you reset the breaker.
2. If the breaker is already tripped, you may need to flip it to the “off” position first. This ensures that the circuit is completely disconnected from the power source.
3. After turning the breaker “off,” flip the switch back to the “on” position. You should hear a click when it resets. Make sure the switch is securely in the “on” position, which will restore power to the furnace.
4. Take a moment to ensure the breaker is fully in the “on” position. A breaker that’s not fully reset may not provide power to the furnace.

Why the breaker might keep tripping and how to fix it

If your circuit breaker trips repeatedly, it’s a sign that something more serious may be going on with your furnace. Constantly resetting the breaker without addressing the underlying issue can lead to further damage. Here are some common reasons the breaker might keep tripping and how to fix them:

• Overloaded circuit: If your furnace is drawing too much power, it could trip the breaker. This could happen if there are too many appliances or devices on the same circuit.. If other high-power appliances are plugged into the same circuit, consider moving them to a different one to reduce the load.
• Overheating: If your furnace overheats, it could trigger the circuit breaker to cut power as a safety measure. This could be caused by issues like a clogged filter, dirty burners, or an obstructed blower. Clean or replace the air filter, clear any obstructions around the furnace, and ensure proper airflow to prevent overheating. Clean the burners and check that the blower motor is working properly.
• Faulty parts: A malfunctioning part, like a bad capacitor, a defective blower motor, or a failing control board, can cause the furnace to draw too much current, tripping the breaker. Use a multimeter to test the parts of your furnace. If you identify any faulty parts, replace them with the appropriate replacements.

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Final thoughts

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