In the winter in Washington State, your heating system becomes one of the most important systems in your home. If your circuit breaker keeps tripping when the heat turns on, you’re likely annoyed and concerned. What’s causing the tripped breaker?
Your furnace or heating system draws a large electrical load. If the circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s a sign of a larger underlying issue. Let’s explore winter electrical load issues and why your circuit breaker keeps tripping.
Common Causes of Circuit Breaker Tripping
What are the most common causes of circuit breaker tripping in wintertime? Let’s review each of these common causes to see if they could be the culprit at your house.
Overloaded Circuits
If your breaker keeps tripping when heat is on, it could easily be from electrical overload. Overloaded circuits will automatically shut off to protect your electrical system and wiring and prevent potential fire hazards.
In winter, overloaded circuits are extremely common as homes rely heavily on electricity for comfort and convenience. Additionally, old wiring can be another cause of overloading.
When multiple high-load appliances are on the same circuit, the system can get overwhelmed and trip as a safety measure. So, if you have your HVAC running, space heaters, and holiday lighting going on the same circuit, it could exceed the breaker’s capacity.
Dirty Air Filters
It’s important to change your heating system’s air filters every 30-90 days to prevent them from getting too dirty or clogged. Clogged air filters can cause strain on your heating system.
It must work harder to circulate warm air throughout your home when the filters are dirty. When heating systems work harder, they draw more power, which could be the cause of your circuit breaker tripping in winter.
Electrical Issues
Electrical faults are more serious than a simple overload issue and shouldn’t be ignored. Short circuits are a major safety issue and should be addressed promptly. Short circuits occur when a hot wire encounters a neutral or ground wire, creating a sudden surge of electricity.
Short circuits can create excessive heat in wiring, damage your appliances, and increase the risk of an electrical fire. Sometimes short circuiting occurs when wiring has been damaged by rodents seeking warmth. Other causes include moisture from melting snow or ice and aging insulation that becomes brittle in cold weather.
If your breaker trips immediately after being turned back on, call a licensed electrician to check if a short circuit is to blame.
Component Issues
Your furnace or heating system is made up of many internal components. When components age, they can begin to fail. For example, if you have problems with the blower motor, that can cause a tripped breaker. When motors begin to wear out, they often draw more electrical current to keep running.
Warning signs of blower motor problems include:
- Weak airflow from vents
- Unusual sounds
- Heating system shutting off unexpectedly
- Breaker tripping shortly after the system starts
Another common component issue is faulty heating elements. Electric furnaces or heat pumps rely on heating elements to operate. When those heating elements age, they can degrade over time. Cracked or corroded heating elements may draw excessive current or create electrical faults that result in frequent breaker trips.
Outdoor Issues
Outdoor heating components are exposed to harsh winter weather and can contribute to breaker tripping. This is especially common in homes with heat pumps, as they can freeze over, preventing proper heat exchange. Fan motors may also have to work harder due to snow or ice. Compressor strain caused by freezing temperatures can also trip your breaker.
When outdoor units freeze, they may pull more power than the breaker can safely supply, resulting in a tripped breaker.
Don't Ignore Issues
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping when the heat turns on, don’t ignore it. The underlying issue could be a safety risk. It also could be causing damage to your heating system or signaling system failure is coming.
Experiencing a tripped breaker should prompt you to call a professional heating company like Mercurio’s. Ignoring issues only allows them to get worse, so act quickly to protect your heating system and home.
Schedule Maintenance Today
At Mercurio’s, we’re experts in heating and cooling systems. With decades of experience and licensed professionals, you can trust Mercurio’s for heating system maintenance and repair.
Give us a call today if you’re having issues with your furnace or heat pump. We’ll assess the situation and make prompt, long-lasting repairs.
