Electric furnaces are a popular choice for homeowners because of their efficiency and reliability. However, like any heating system, they can experience unique problems that disrupt their performance and comfort. Let’s explore some common issues electric furnace owners may face, including tripped circuits and burning odors, along with tips to address them effectively. If these issues have been recurring in your home, it may be time to consider a full heater replacement that better suits your long-term comfort and energy needs.
Just remember, for electric furnace repair in Cedar Rapids, IA, trust the Dalton team!
Why Your Electric Furnace Keeps Tripping the Breaker
Electric furnaces require a significant amount of power to operate. When the system overloads the circuit, it can cause the breaker to trip, cutting off the power supply. This problem can arise due to several factors:
- Overloaded Circuits: If the furnace shares a circuit with other high-energy appliances, the combined power draw may exceed the circuit’s capacity.
- Faulty Wiring: Loose or damaged wiring can lead to electrical surges that trip the breaker.
- Malfunctioning Components: A failing blower motor or heating element may draw more current than necessary, causing the breaker to trip.
Here are the possible solutions:
- Check whether other devices are connected to the same circuit or outlet and move them if possible. It could be overloaded.
- Inspect the breaker panel for signs of damage or wear, and consult an electrician to repair any faulty wiring. We can replace your electrical panel if needed.
- Schedule a professional inspection to identify and replace malfunctioning furnace components.
Causes of That Burning Smell in Your Electric Furnace
Homeowners may sometimes notice a burning smell when the furnace runs. While not always dangerous, it’s essential to identify the source quickly to prevent potential hazards. Common causes include:
- Dust Accumulation: Dust settling on the heating elements during periods of inactivity can burn off when the furnace is first used.
- Overheating Components: Blocked air filters or restricted airflow can cause parts of the furnace to overheat, leading to a scorched smell.
- Electrical Issues: A burnt plastic or metallic odor may indicate damaged wires or connections inside the furnace.
If your unit is regularly overheating or producing unusual smells, it might indicate deeper system issues—here are furnace symptoms you don’t want to ignore when weighing repair vs. replacement.
The possible solutions:
- Replace or clean the air filters regularly to maintain proper airflow.
- Turn off the furnace immediately if the smell persists or resembles burning plastic, and call a professional technician to inspect the system.
- Schedule routine maintenance to keep your furnace clean and in optimal condition.
How a Faulty Thermostat Affects Your Furnace
Another common issue with electric furnaces is when the thermostat fails to communicate effectively with the heating system. This can result in uneven temperatures or the furnace not turning on at all. Causes include:
- Dead Batteries: If the thermostat is battery-operated, dead batteries can prevent it from functioning.
- Miscalibration: The thermostat may not accurately read the room’s temperature, causing inconsistent heating.
- Wiring Problems: Loose or frayed connections between the thermostat and the furnace can interrupt communication.
The possible solutions:
- Replace the thermostat batteries if necessary, or work with our team to get it hooked up to your home’s grid. Most modern thermostats have this capability.
- Contact a professional to repair any wiring issues or consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better control.
Is Your Furnace Losing Efficiency? Key Signs to Watch
If the furnace isn’t producing enough heat or is costing too much to run, it may stem from:
- Dirty Heating Elements
- Blocked Vents
- Aging Furnace Parts
The solution: Schedule an appointment so we can inspect and address any problems promptly! If your energy bills keep rising or repairs are becoming frequent, take a moment to review late-season heating repair signs that may indicate your system is on its last legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What can cause an electric furnace to trip the breaker?
Answer: Tripping breakers can be caused by overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or parts that draw too much current like a failing blower motor or heating element. Share‑circuiting with other high‑power devices or damaged components often triggers the breaker.
Question: Why does my electric furnace emit a burning smell?
Answer: Burning smells may result from dust burning off heating elements after periods of inactivity, restricted airflow from dirty filters, or electrical issues like damaged wires. These smells should be taken seriously if they persist or smell like plastic or burning metal.
Question: How can thermostat problems affect the performance of an electric furnace?
Answer: A thermostat with dead batteries, miscalibration, or faulty wiring may fail to correctly read the temperature or communicate with the furnace. This can lead to uneven heating or failure to turn the furnace on at all.
Question: What are signs that my electric furnace is losing efficiency?
Answer: Signs include reduced heat output, mounting electric bills, dirty heating elements, blocked vents, or aging parts. If service calls do more than just patch up issues, it could mean the unit is deteriorating.
Question: What steps should I take when I notice these malfunction symptoms?
Answer: Check and replace dirty air filters, ensure vents are unblocked, inspect thermostat batteries and wiring, and discontinue use if smells are strong or breakers keep tripping. Then call a professional to diagnose failing electrical parts and determine if replacement may be better.