Why An Electric Furnace May Cause Flickering Lights
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Why do lights in the house flicker when the electric furnace comes on? Troubleshooting Heating Furnace and Electrical Problems. |
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Electric Furnace and Power Problems
Electrical Repair Question: Why do lights in the house flicker when the electric furnace comes on?
- My lights in the house flicker when the electric furnace comes on.
- Today when I came home I heard a very loud humming sound, almost like the air conditioner unit was on but it was coming from the outside power meter.
- I looked at the meter and it was spinning super fast.
- I contacted the power company and of course they showed up 5 hrs later.
- The noise was gone and they are blaming it on breakers inside the house.
- I do not have any breakers tripping at all.
- I do have an outside light post and it has been going through bulbs a lot.
- I just found out it is hardwired to the meter outside.
Can you help?
This home electrical repair question came from: Rick, a Homeowner from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electric repair question Rick.
Electric Furnace Circuit Problems
Application: HVAC and Furnace Problem.
Skill Level: Advanced – a Licensed Electrical Contractor should be consulted right away.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Ammeter and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on age of the home, the condition of the electrical system and available access to electrical components.
Precaution: Electrical troubleshooting of this level is best performed by a qualified electrical contractor.
Troubleshooting an Electric Furnace
- An electric furnace requires a lot of power which can effect other electrical circuits as well.
- Here is a list of factors that could contribute to flickering lights when an electric furnace is operating:
- The main electric service panel is not 200 sized at amps.
- The size of the home and number of circuit breakers.
- There may be a problem with the circuit breaker that serves the electric furnace circuit, or there may be other issues within the electrical panel and the house wiring system.
- My recommendation is to have a qualified electrical contractor inspect the electrical panel and the furnace circuit.
- Typically, the electrical utility provider’s responsibility ends at the electric meter and they will not service the electrical panel or circuit breakers.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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