Furnace Circuits

Ensure Your Furnace Has the Power It Needs

Efficient Furnace Circuits

Furnaces need more than fuel; they need dedicated power.
Whether your furnace runs on natural gas, propane, or oil, the electrical system still plays a critical role. From powering the blower motor to igniting the burners and running the controls, your furnace requires a reliable, properly sized dedicated circuit to work safely and efficiently.

At BTE Electric, we install and repair furnace circuits that meet electrical code and provide the stable power your heating system needs.

Why Does My Furnace Need a Dedicated Circuit?

It’s a common misconception that gas or oil furnaces don’t need much electricity. While it’s true they don’t heat using electric resistance like baseboard heaters or heat pumps, they still require consistent power to:

Operate the blower motor and fan
Run the control board and thermostat connections
Ignite the burners (via spark or hot surface igniter)
Support any auxiliary systems (like humidifiers or electronic filters)

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that furnaces be on a dedicated 15- or 20-amp circuit, depending on the model. Sharing this circuit with lights or other devices can cause overloads, breaker trips, or damage to the furnace’s sensitive components.

Common Questions About Furnace Circuits

Q. What Happens If It’s Not Wired Correctly?

ANSWER: Here’s what can go wrong if your furnace circuit is undersized or shared:

Nuisance trips during startup (especially in cold weather)
Furnace resets or failures due to voltage drop
Blower motor overheating from poor electrical supply
Inconsistent thermostat behavior
Potential fire hazard if wires overheat
Code violations during home sales or inspections

We’ll make sure your furnace is on its own properly sized circuit with safe wiring and a clearly labeled breaker.

Q. Do Heat Pumps or Electric Furnaces Need Different Circuits?

ANSWER: Yes. Electric furnaces and heat pumps require much more power than gas furnaces. They often need:

Double-pole breakers (30–60 amps)
Heavy gauge wire (6–10 AWG)
Multiple circuits, especially for auxiliary heat strips

If you’re switching to or adding a heat pump system, we can assess your panel and install the necessary circuits and surge protection to keep your system running smoothly.

Q. What Is Our Furnace Circuit Installation Process?

ANSWER: Whether you’re replacing an old furnace or installing a new one, here’s how we help:

Check the furnace’s electrical specs (from the nameplate or manual)
Assess your panel for capacity and space
Install the correct wire and breaker size
Add shut-off disconnects as required by code
Ground everything properly and test the system
Label everything clearly for safety and service access

We work closely with HVAC contractors if your install is part of a larger system upgrade or replacement.

Q. What If My Panel’s Full?

ANSWER: Furnace installations sometimes run into space issues on the electrical panel, especially in older homes. In that case, we can:

Add a sub panel
Install tandem breakers (if safe and compliant)
Upgrade your main service panel

We also offer surge protection to keep your furnace’s circuit board and electronics safe from voltage spikes or lightning.

Q. How Much Does It Cost?

ANSWER: Here are typical price ranges:

New 15- or 20-amp furnace circuit (gas/oil): $350–$700
High-demand electric furnace or heat pump circuits: $900–$2,500
Panel upgrade (if needed): Starting around $2,500
Whole-home surge protection add-on: $300–$600

Every job includes a clear, upfront estimate with no pressure and no guesswork.

Code-Compliant. Worry-Free.

If you’re having furnace issues, replacing your system, or prepping for winter, don’t overlook the circuit. A properly installed furnace circuit gives you:

Consistent heat when you need it most
Protection against system damage
A safer, more code-compliant home
Peace of mind during HVAC inspections or real estate transactions

We make sure your heating system has the power it needs, wired safely and installed right.

Let’s Get You Heat You Can Count On

If you’re unsure whether your furnace is wired correctly, or need a new circuit installed as part of a heating system replacement, reach out to Bierlein-Trombley Electric. We’ll get the job done quickly, cleanly, and to the highest standards.

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