How to Protect Your HVAC Equipment from Power Surges
Your heating and air conditioning system is a significant home investment. It needs protection from all possible damages so that you don’t have to spend money on major repairs or replacements anytime soon. One of the ways your units could get damaged is if a power surge happens. Here’s a rundown on what they are and how to protect your HVAC equipment from them.
What Are Power Surges?
A power surge is when there’s a sudden spike of electricity flowing through the house’s electrical system. This also increases the voltage that power outlets deliver. There are several reasons surges could happen. For instance, power might’ve gotten restored after an outage, there was a problem with the power lines, or lightning struck the grid, which can suddenly boost the power flow.
How Do Surges Damage HVAC Systems?
Under normal circumstances, your home only transfers around 120 volts to appliances, though it can fluctuate as high as 169 volts. As such, your air conditioning equipment is likely designed to only handle that load range. Surges can cause the voltage to go far past that amount.
All that electricity going to your AC units’ electric components, such as the circuit boards and wires, can cause them to overheat and warp over time. A major surge can even cause a 1,000-volt power spike, which is enough to fry electrical parts in one go.
How Can You Protect HVAC Units Against Power Surges?
If you’re currently not using your air conditioning unit, you can unplug it so that no electricity flows through at all. In case of blackouts, you can also do this or switch off the circuit breaker. This cuts off all currents flowing in the house.
You could also install a surge protector for your HVAC system. This device prevents too much power from going to your unit by diverting the extra voltage away to your home’s grounding wire. This wire is connected to the ground underneath your house to reduce the risk of causing electric shocks or fires anywhere else at home.
The technicians at Stewart Air Conditioning & Heating LLC can repair surge damages and help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit’s needs. The air conditioning contractor has served the Lexington, KY, community’s HVAC needs since 1976. From AC installation to furnace repair projects, you can count on them to provide quality workmanship. To schedule your appointment, you can message their website or call (859) 252-4945.
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Contact Information
Phone: 859-252-4945
Email: j@stewartac.com
Address: 213 Normandy Court, Suite C, Nicholasville, KY, USA
