Though we aren’t usually in the direct path of hurricanes during hurricane season here in Orlando, we do get our fair share of heavy rain storms and residual rain from hurricanes passing through. Along with summer storms comes the risk of power surges from lightning, as well as additional stress on your home’s electrical system.
Power surges can “fry” the circuits of your electrical appliances, causing breakdowns and irreparable damage.
Protect your HVAC this summer from power surges with these top tips from our team at Frank Gay Services!
How Power Surges Affect Your HVAC System
Power surges are quite common in Florida during the summertime when afternoon thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and electrical demand are at their peak. Many operate their air conditioners and freezers at full capacity throughout the summer, taxing their home’s electrical system. This increased power causes an energy spike by interfering with the constant flow of electricity.
Higher cooling demands aren’t the only cause of power surges though. The voltage-current of your home’s electrical system can be thrown off balance by a stray lightning strike from an evening thunderstorm if it strikes your house or a nearby power line, leading to a power surge.
A power surge can damage your HVAC in an instant.
Power surges can result in the immediate failure of your HVAC system but often lead to a slow, steady breakdown due to deterioration. Depending on the severity of the damage, the solution may be HVAC repairs or a replacement.
Protecting Your HVAC from Power Surges
ou must plan ahead and take preventative measures if you want to safeguard your HVAC system from power surges. The good news is that this task can be simple if you know what to do.
Whole House Surge Protection
Consider having whole-house surge protection installed and make sure your HVAC system is plugged into it. This way, if a power surge occurs, the surge protector can divert excess electricity to the outlet’s ground wire, preventing damage to your HVAC system.
A whole-house surge protector connects to your home’s electrical box and blocks excess electrical current from traveling through the wires of your home. Instead, the excess current is diverted into the ground through a surge protector’s grounding connection.
While not all power surges pose a significant threat to your HVAC equipment, there is no guarantee that your devices will be safe even from a small power surge. It is best to take precautions now because power surges of any size can cause big problems for your HVAC system.
Ready to protect your electrical appliances and HVAC system from power surges? Call Frank Gay Services to learn more about whole home surge protectors today; (407) 329-5145!
Be Prepared > Do I Need a Whole Home Surge Protector?
Limiting Energy Consumption
Limiting your energy use is the simplest approach to safeguard your HVAC system from power surges. Also, this minimizes your energy expenditures!
- Use your air conditioner less. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees and use fans to help circulate cool air and create a “wind chill effect.”
- Avoid allowing heat inside. Close the curtains to limit solar heat gain, and plant trees on the west and south sides of your home to provide shade.
- Use heat-generating appliances at night. Use the dishwasher, oven, stove, and dryer at night when electricity usage is lower. Also, they won’t heat your house throughout the daytime.
During a Severe Storm
To prevent damage to your HVAC system during a severe thunderstorm or the residual effects of a hurricane that has made landfall, we recommend turning your HVAC off at the breaker box to prevent damage from power surges. You can turn your HVAC system back on once the storm has passed and you have inspected the unit for damage.
Protection from Power Surges
If you want to protect your home’s electronics and HVAC system from summer power surges in Orlando, consider having a whole home surge protector installed by our team at Frank Gay Services. We are also available 24/7 for emergency repairs after a severe storm rolls through.
Trust our team at Frank Gay Services to keep your home protected during severe storm season in Central Florida. Call us today for HVAC repairs, maintenance, and whole home surge protector installations; (407) 329-5145!
