With air conditioners running throughout summer, electrical grids become strained making power surges in your area more common. Power surges can cause significant damage to electronics in your home and your air conditioner.
Reasons for Power Surges
A power surge is a rapid increase in voltage that exceeds the standard voltage by more than 10%. A variety of things can cause power surges in your area. Sure, lightning strikes pop into your head first, but those are the least of your worries. Smaller power surges happen daily, and without you knowing cause significant damage over time to your electric appliances. Some common causes of power surges are:
- Downed power lines
- Oversupplied voltage from Comed caused by the sudden increase in local power demand
- Inconsistent demand from your in-home appliances
Protect your Home
A power surge can cause your air conditioner to quit working. Just the same as if you were to be shocked, a sudden surge can electricity can send an unexpected jolt of electricity through your home’s appliances. The jolt of power makes your electronics, appliances, and HVAC system susceptible to catastrophic effects. Here are a couple of tips to protect these devices:
– Plug electric appliances and other devices into surge protectors:
If you are a savvy electronics owner it’s probably a no-brainer for you to plug your electronically sensitive devices into surge protectors. To the less savvy, there is a difference between power strips and surge protectors. Make sure when buying power strips the box specifically lists the power strip as a surge protector.
Have HVAC Surge Protectors Installed:
It’s no secret your furnace and air conditioner do not plug into an outlet. This leads many homeowners to a significant problem, fortunately for you, there is a solution. HVAC appliances can have a special surge protector hard-wired in by a certified technician. Without surge protectors, air conditioners see significant problems with shorted capacitors leading to emergency service calls.
Reduce your Electrical Consumption
Limiting your power consumption can lower the strain on your local power grid while saving you money on your energy bills. Here are a couple of energy-saving tips:
-Run your air conditioner less
Set your thermostat to 76 while you are home and open your windows at night.
-Reduce outside heat gain
Close your curtains to stop the sun from coming into your home. Do not cut down trees; large trees will keep your home shaded and cool. Also, it is a good idea to purchase some door and window seals to stop outdoor air infiltration.
Prepare today for Summer Power Surges
Installing surge protectors on your furnace and air conditioner, and purchasing power surge strips for other appliances are the best ways to prevent HVAC breakdowns and electronic damage. If you have an interest in purchasing HVAC surge protectors please call Chris Heating & Cooling today!
