AC Surge Protection Device can effectively maintain the lifespan and efficiency of your HVAC system.
To protect your HVAC system, understanding AC surge protectors is essential in selecting the right device. Let’s learn more about AC surge protection devices and their impact on HVAC systems.
What is a power surge and why happen?
A power surge is a sudden increase in voltage that flows through your home’s electrical system. Although it may be brief it can damage electrical equipment like your HVAC system.
There are several common causes of power surges: Lightning strikes are one of the most common causes of power surges. Line faults can cause irregular voltage fluctuations that result in power surges. Restoring power after a power outage can also generate large power surges. Turning appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners on and off can also cause power surges.
These surges can overwhelm your HVAC system’s electrical components that cause system failure or permanent damage.
What is an AC surge protection device?
An AC surge protection device (AC SPD) also commonly called a surge protector that allows normal voltage to pass while preventing dangerously high voltage from entering or migrating to the ground, where it could reach and damage connected appliances and equipment.
How does an AC surge protection device protect your HVAC system?
An AC surge protection device protects your HVAC system through several mechanisms. It continuously monitors circuit voltage. When detecting voltage exceeding safe levels, it immediately diverts the excess voltage away from the HVAC system through a “voltage clamp.”
The AC surge protection device also absorbs and dissipates the surge energy that eliminates the overvoltage before it reaches and damages sensitive electronic components within the system. Besides most modern AC surge protection devices have an automatic reset feature that allow them to reset themselves after the surge event ends and continue to protect against subsequent surges.
Installing an AC surge protection device can prevent common surge-related failures in your HVAC system such as burned circuit boards, damaged compressors or burned sensors.
Do you need an AC surge protection device?
If you live in an area with power grid issues or thunderstorms, your HVAC system is at increased risk of damage that causes an AC surge protection device to become useful. However even if you don’t experience frequent lightning strikes, an AC surge protection device can still help you avoid power outages or other electrical issues in your home.
Why is installing an HVAC surge protection device so important?
Firstly it can help you avoid costly repairs. Because the cost of installing an AC surge protection device is a fraction of the cost of replacing critical components like compressors and circuit boards damaged by power surges.
Secondly many homeowners’ insurance policies offer limited or no coverage for power surge damage and installing an AC surge protection device can reduce these potential insurance claims. Besides, it improves your home’s energy efficiency by ensuring your system maintains optimal performance without being affected by power surges that lower your utility bills.
Lastly it prevents system failures that can reduce comfort levels that ensure your HVAC system continues to operate in hot or cold weather. Provide comfort when you need it most.
How do you properly choose and use an HVAC surge protection device?
| Type | Installing Place | Protection Level |
| Distribution box installation type | Main/sub distribution box | Type 1/ Type 2 |
| Equipment-side installation type | Air conditioning disconnect switch | Type 2 |
| Portable plug type | power socket | Type 3 |
| Signal line protection type | Control signal line | Signal protection |
In addition to choosing the right AC surge protection solution, you should ensure that the AC surge protector is UL-certified when purchasing. Make it meet specific safety standards. And professional installation also ensures proper operation and comprehensive protection.
What else can you do to prevent surges in your home?
Make it a habit to unplug unused appliances especially during thunderstorms.
Try to avoid running high-power appliances like air conditioners, electric water heaters, washing machines, microwave ovens, and electric kettles at the same time. Staggering the use of high-power appliances reduces the overall load on the circuit and reduces surges caused by internal switching.
Regularly inspect and maintain old wiring and appliances. Aging, damaged wires or poorly connected outlets cause power surges and even pose a fire risk.
What’s More
Protecting your HVAC system from power surges with an AC surge protection device is one of the smartest things you can do to ensure its longevity and efficiency. If you’re still unsure about choosing the right AC surge protection device for your system, please contact us.
