Protect Your AC From Power Surges
Every year Fort Myers and Cape Coral homeowners, and residents in surrounding areas, are faced with the possibility of replacing or repairing their damaged AC system. Why? In this case, we’re not talking about units dying a slow death due to a lack of maintenance or a sudden mechanical failure.
We’re talking about power surges due to lightning strikes during severe storms.
According to Accuweather.com, Florida has on average 3,500 cloud to ground lightning flashes per day and 1.2 million flashes per year.
Causes of Power Surges
In addition to lightning, power surges can also result from other factors:
- Downed power lines
- A sudden interruption and restart in electrical power
- Old or defective wiring
- Overloaded circuits and outlets
Most spikes last only a millisecond, yet can wreak havoc on your appliances, electronic devices, and your AC unit.
Potential Damage From Power Surges
Over the last two decades, AC systems have changed dramatically.
Today they rely heavily on electronic components to improve reliability and energy efficiency.
With lightning damage, you will notice arcing and charring of the equipment housing. Additionally, outdoor electrical components will be damaged, such as the contactor, capacitor, compressor, and fan motor.
Other electronic components that could be damaged include:
- circuit boards
- condenser
- blower unit
- resistors
- capacitors
- switches and sensors
Regular power surges can also cause premature wear and tear due to consistent overheating cycles.
To sum up, power surges can cause you to be faced with costly AC Repair or replacing your AC unit.
Fortunately, there is a way to protect your AC unit.
Protect Your AC With A Surge Protector
A surge protector is a device that redirects excessive voltage from a power surge through the grounding wire in your home’s electrical wiring system. It then safely discharges it outside the home.
Surge protectors are a great defense in helping you prevent power surges. They come in different configurations from plug-ins to wall-mounted to protection for your entire home.
We recommend whole-home surge protectors. Its job is to prevent electrical damage to everything – your AC unit, home appliances, and electronics.
This safeguard prevents excess current from damaging your AC system circuitry and components. As a result, you avoid unexpected expenses on AC repairs or AC replacement.
Protect Your AC
If you’ve experienced a power surge, it is best to have your AC unit checked out. Protecting this major investment will prevent you from major AC Repair down the road. Contact one of our expert technicians for an evaluation, (239) 693-9005
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