Do you worry about sudden electrical surges affecting electronic devices throughout your home? Plugging them into a surge protector strip could significantly reduce complications. One of the biggest appliances in your home is the heating and cooling system, so you might ask, “Do I need a surge protector for my HVAC?”
At SM Mechanical Services, we provide HVAC services in East Hartford, CT. Learn more about HVAC surge protector benefits and why you should consider the equipment for your property.
What’s a Surge Protector?
Surge protectors work to neutralize electricity overflow. Power spikes can occur frequently without warning when voltages increase quickly and suddenly beyond typical levels. If one hits your home in Hartford, it could damage anything connected to the circuit box via outlets.
These protection systems work without your involvement. A technician installs the protector on a property’s circuit panel. When a power surge occurs, the device transports excess electricity to a ground circuit.
The Importance of Surge Protectors for Hartford Properties
If you ask, “Do I need a surge protector for my HVAC?” you’re not alone. However, you should know the dangers of electrical overload and its causes to understand why the answer to that question is “Yes.”
Power surges can happen for several reasons, including the following:
- Downed power lines: Downed electrical lines create serious fire hazards that cause everything from minor power surges to total blackouts.
- Electrical grid issues: Sometimes, surges come from issues with a neighboring electrical grid. The problem or its corrective measures could send excess electricity into your property.
- Lightning strikes: A random bolt of lightning hitting your home or nearby electrical lines could send massive amounts of electricity to your property, which could also trigger a fire.
- Circuit overload: Pulling more current than the wiring can handle can lead to surges and possible damage to connected appliances.
With so many electrical surge risks in Hartford, property owners should take action to protect their houses and electronics. When currents increase beyond their normal levels, the extra power doesn’t only stay within the circuit panel. Without a surge protector, the electricity will damage individual circuits and possibly fry appliances and devices plugged into outlets.
What Are the Power Surge Damage Risks for HVAC?
Your heating and cooling system isn’t immune from current spikes. Power overloads within the circuit panel could also overload the HVAC unit’s capacitor and circuit board.
These sensitive electrical components within the equipment could stop functioning because of a current spike, leaving the system inoperable. If that happens, you’ll need to replace the equipment to ensure your home’s comfort and indoor climate control.
Are HVAC Surge Protectors Necessary in Hartford?
Although there isn’t a mandate for HVAC surge protection in Hartford, having it to protect your equipment from damage still makes good sense. You could take the risk and not install the protector, but manufacturer warranties usually don’t cover damage from electrical overloads. You may have to pay for equipment replacement out of pocket.
A whole-house surge protector covers all electronic devices and appliances in the home, including the HVAC. You may need a supplementary system for the HVAC if you want to take a more comprehensive approach to electrical overload protection.
Tips for Picking the Best Electrical Protection for Heating and Cooling Units
Knowing the answer to “Do I need a surge protector for my HVAC?” isn’t enough to protect your home from excess electricity. You also need to know how to pick the right system. To effectively minimize electrical overload risks for your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump, look for the following in your surge protection system.
- Failure indicators. Pick a system with an easy-to-read display, such as LED lights, to indicate the status.
- Joules. Joule ratings indicate the maximum amount of energy a surge protector can handle. Whole-home systems can withstand more than 4,000 joules, while smaller units accommodate up to 2,000.
- Manufacturer warranties. Read the fine print on warranties from trusted manufacturers to know what the guarantee does and doesn’t cover.
Ensure the Electrical Safety of Your HVAC Unit
The answer to “Do I need a surge protector for my HVAC?” is yes. This equipment helps prevent HVAC damage due to sudden electrical surges. If you’re ready to improve your Hartford, CT, home’s HVAC electrical safety, contact SM Mechanical Services.
Our family-owned and operated business specializes in installing, repairing, and maintaining all aspects of HVAC systems, including electrical components. Our experienced, licensed, and insured technicians use our solid understanding of HVAC electrical requirements to provide safe, reliable solutions. Contact SM Mechanical Services today for a consultation.