For the upcoming hurricane season, consider surge protectors for air conditioners in Tampa. Tampa storms frequently have power surges that can be detrimental to AC systems. For instance, storms can destroy your AC’s circuit board. This repair can be expensive, adding to the stress of your post-hurricane recovery.
Our Tampa AC system experts at Fairway Heating and Cooling understand how hurricanes wreak havoc on your lives. So, we have provided a simple guide on surge protectors so you can minimize the risk of AC storm damage.
What Are Surge Protectors?
Surge protectors protect electrical devices from alternating spikes in current. These spikes are power surges that damage electronic equipment. Lightning strikes and equipment faults can cause these devices to stop functioning.
Surges can affect electronics in the following ways:
- Overheating
- Power loss
- Shortened lifespan
- Malfunctioning (melting plastic or metal parts)
So, surge protectors absorb or divert the excess current. The most common are metal oxide varistors (MOVs). They absorb the additional voltage, diverting it to the ground wire. HVAC systems, electronics, and power strips use MOVs for surges.
Alternatively, gas discharge arrestors act as voltage-dependent switches, preventing power overflow. Computers, medical equipment, and power lines often use these surge protectors.
Types of Surge Protectors
Here are the several main types of surge protectors used in homes:
- Whole-house surge protectors
It connects to your electrical panel, blocking high voltage from entering your home’s electrical system. They only allow safe currents to enter and can withstand a 40,000 amp disruption.
- Surge protector power strips
These strips protect devices plugged in from high surges ranging from 330 to 4,000 volts.
- Wall-mount surge protectors
Wall-mount surge protectors plug into outlets. They can handle within a similar spike range as power strips. The amount of voltage protection depends on the model and brand.
How Are Surge Protectors Used for ACs?
Surge protectors for ACs also redirect excess electricity to a ground wire. This protects your AC control boards, monitors, and compressors. So, it buffers the system, absorbing surges before they affect your AC’s critical components.
AC professionals typically install surge protectors in several areas, which include:
- The main electrical panel
- At the service disconnect
- Near the AC unit
- By the thermostat
Why Are Surge Protectors Important for Tampa ACs?
Surge protectors are important for many reasons. Namely, Tampa experiences many lightening lightning storms. These devices ensure that your system remains safe from small and large surges.
Here are other key benefits of surge protectors for air conditioners in Tampa:
Protects Against Transient Surges
Installing surge protectors prevents transient surges that can build up over time and cause AC damage.
Reduces AC Damage
Your AC system experiences less damage because surge protectors divert most voltage spikes.
Fire Protection
Power surges come with a risk of electrical fires, depending on their severity. AC surge protectors decrease the chance of a fire in your home.
Prevents Costly Repairs
With surge protectors, you can safeguard your AC components from damage. This can prevent costly repairs.
Lowers Insurance Costs
Some insurance companies offer lower premiums for homes with surge protection.
Increases AC Lifespan
Since your AC experiences fewer issues with surge protectors, your system’s lifespan increases. Every small surge deteriorates the electronic components in equipment, shortening their lifespan. So, surge protectors will increase the longevity of your AC system.
Uninterrupted Power Supply
Storms can lead to power outages, which means your AC stops running. Surge protectors prevent interruptions in power.
Reach Out to Fairway Heating & Cooling for Surge Protector Installation in Tampa!
For surge protectors for air conditioners in Tampa, consult Fairway Heating and Cooling. Our professionals are trained in surge protection for Tampa homes, so we can help you find one that’s best for your home.
For more storm safety precautions, ask our experts. We will help you prepare your AC for the upcoming hurricane season.
Contact us today to speak with a customer service agent or to schedule an estimate!
The post The Importance of Surge Protectors for Air Conditioners in Tampa appeared first on Fairway Heating and Cooling, LLC.