With all those air conditioners running during the summer, the electrical grid maxes out, and power surges become more common. This can cause damage to your AC and other electronics, so now’s the time to learn about how to prep for summer power surges.
Causes of Summertime Power Surges
A power surge is a sudden increase in voltage that significantly exceeds the standard 120-volt flow of electricity entering a building. Many things can cause power surges, though lightning strikes usually come to mind first.
However, it’s those smaller, daily surges—not dramatic lightning strikes—that cause many problems. Some of the most common causes of summertime power surges include:
- Downed power lines caused by storms or auto collisions
- Over voltages from the utility company caused by fluctuating demand on the local power plant
- Mistakes made during power line maintenance
- Fluctuating demand from your home appliances
How to Protect Devices from Power Surges
A power surge can make your air conditioner stop working. The same way a lightning strike sends a jolt to the heart, a sudden surge of electricity carries thousands or tens of thousands of volts through your home’s wiring. This makes your electronics, appliances, and HVAC system vulnerable to the damaging effects of power surges. To protect these devices, follow these tips:
Plug Electricity-Powered Items into Surge Protectors
As a savvy electronics owner, you probably know to plug your computer, home entertainment equipment, and other sensitive electronics into surge protectors. Remember, although they look similar, there’s a fundamental difference between ordinary power strips and surge protectors. A power strip provides multiple outlets, whereas a surge protector also has built-in surge protection.
Install Whole-House Surge Protection
The whole-house surge protection option safeguards the wiring throughout your home against the damaging effects of power surges. It shields everything from your central air conditioner to your computer’s hard drive from externally sourced power surges.
As a bonus, whole-house surge protection also provides an internal safeguard. This means your devices are protected against the sudden increase in voltage caused by your air conditioner, blow dryer, vacuum cleaner, and microwave each time they power on.
Unplug Sensitive Electronics During Storms or Vacations
For extra peace of mind, especially during severe thunderstorms or when you're away from home for an extended period, consider unplugging highly sensitive and valuable electronics such as computers, televisions, and gaming consoles. Surge protectors offer excellent defense, but direct lightning strikes can sometimes overwhelm even the best protection.
By combining point-of-use surge protectors with whole-house surge protection and practicing energy conservation, you can significantly safeguard your home and appliances from the damaging effects of summertime power surges.
How to Reduce Your Dependence on the Electrical Grid
By limiting your power consumption, you lower the strain on the electrical grid and decrease your energy bills at the same time. To achieve this win-win situation, follow these energy-saving tips:
- Run your air conditioner less: Set the thermostat to 78 degrees and keep cool by running a fan, placing a damp towel on your neck, and dressing for the season.
- Reduce external heat gain: Close the curtains to stop the sun from shining in. If possible, plant trees on the south and west sides of your home for shade in the afternoon. Then, seal cracks around windows and doors to keep hot air out.
- Don’t heat your home from the inside: Refrain from using the oven, stove, dishwasher, or dryer during the day. Run these energy-hungry, heat-producing appliances at night when cooling demand drops and electricity rates are lower.
- Take advantage of natural cooling: At night, open the windows to draw in cold air. In the morning, close the windows to trap this air inside. Then, during the day, retreat to the basement where it’s the coolest.
What To Do If Your AC Is Damaged by a Summertime Power Surge
A summertime power surge can be a real headache, especially if it damages your air conditioner. If your AC suddenly stops working, is making strange noises, or isn't cooling properly after a surge, here's what to do:
First, don't panic and don't try to force it back on repeatedly. This could cause further damage or even create a fire hazard. Follow these steps:
- Check your circuit breaker: Go to your electrical panel and look for the breaker that controls your AC unit. It might be tripped (flipped to the "off" or middle position). Flip it completely to "off" and then firmly back to "on."
- Reset your thermostat: Turn your thermostat to the "off" position for a few minutes, then switch it back to "cool" mode with your desired temperature.
- Wait it out: Many AC systems have a built-in time delay (often 5-10 minutes, or even up to 30 minutes) to protect the compressor from rapid cycling after a power interruption. Give your system ample time to reset before expecting it to kick back on.
When to Call the Professionals After Summertime Power Surges
If, after the above steps, your AC still isn't functioning, or you notice burning smells, unusual sounds, or visible damage, it's time to call in the professionals. Power surges can fry delicate components such as circuit boards, capacitors, or even the compressor itself, which are not DIY fixes. Attempting air conditioner repairs yourself can be dangerous and may void your warranty.
At Aire Serv®, our experienced service professionals are equipped to diagnose power surge damage to your AC system accurately and efficiently. With our HVAC services, we will identify the affected components, provide expert repairs, and get your cool air flowing again.
Contact your local Aire Serv today. We're here to help you keep your AC running strong all summer long with residential HVAC maintenance, repair, and emergency air conditioning services. Best of all, our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise®, which ensures that we will get the job done right the first time.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Aire Serv is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Aire Serv location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
