Electronics play an important part in your HVAC system. Therefore, when something brings them down, your HVAC system goes down as well. A fried-up circuit needs to be replaced as soon as possible, and the whole process can dent your wallet. Nonetheless, you can try to protect them using a power surge suppressor. However, before we get to the use of power suppressors, let’s talk about power surges and how they can wreak havoc on your HVAC system.
What Are Power Surges?
Suppliers supply our homes with a constant 120V AC (Alternating Current). Hence, every appliance we use in our homes is calibrated to work on this supply. Consequently, you shouldn’t expect them to work in excess or below the standard supply. However, losing power ( the voltage drops ) is not harmful as power surges.
A grid can lose power due to a breakdown in the power station. Moreover, your home can also experience a loss in power due to loose or faulty wirings. On the other hand, power surges mean that there is a transient increase in the voltage supply. Most of the time, surges don’t last long, but they can be relentless for the time they last. Now, there are several reasons for surges like lightning, arcing ground, or insulation failure, but know that power surges come without a warning when you least expect them.
What Do Surges Do To HVAC Electronics?
Electronics contain some sensitive components such as ICs. These can work on a particular voltage, so a voltage spike can easily fry them up. Apart from IC’s, circuits also use capacitors that store energy and release it when required. However, high voltage can also render them useless because they can’t withstand voltage above a particular threshold. With capacitors down, a huge amount of current rushes in the circuit, corresponding to the voltage spike. Current can heat the circuit and melt the plastic the circuit is in contact with.
ICs go out with a spark and emanate smoke. At the same time, the burning circuit exudes a sharp smell of plastic burning. Therefore, if you notice such a smell that doesn’t go away while the HVAC is operating, most probably, the circuits have started to act up. Hence, we advise you to rush and switch off the AC because the continued operation may harm it further. After that, give Crump AC And Heating a ring at 281-533-9200.
What Can You Do About That:
Power surge suppressors are pieces of equipment that suppress the excess inflow of voltage. Laptop chargers mostly have them, but you would have to buy suppressors for bigger and expensive appliances. These suppressors can help protect your HVAC system from the harm of power surges.
Conclusion:
Power surges are rare, but when they occur, they tend to leave a painful mark. Hence, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Crump AC And Heating is here to cater to all your HVAC repair and replacement needs. You can reach us at 281-533-9200 for more inquiries.