Here are some ways you can protect your commercial HVAC system from power surges and lightning.
Maryland is known for regular spring and summer thunderstorms. They can be pleasant to watch from the window, but the lightning that comes with a thunderstorm can cause serious damage to your HVAC system.
Power surges are not limited to lightning storms – they occur at any time throughout the year for various reasons. When a power surge hits, it causes serious damage to appliances, electronics, and it can damage your HVAC system as well. Here are some ways you can protect your commercial HVAC system from power surges and lightning.
Why Summer Storms Are Dangerous to Your HVAC System
The mix of warm and cool air that leads to thunderstorms also brings power surges. These surges don’t need to be major to create trouble. Even a quick flicker can send a jolt through your HVAC system. You might not notice right away, but internal components like the compressor or control board can be affected. The tricky part is damage that could show up later as unpredictable behavior or complete failure.
You already rely on your system to keep things comfortable. So, if lightning strikes nearby or a tree takes down a power line, your HVAC system is left vulnerable.
What Causes Power Surges?
Power surges are spikes in electricity that occur when the flow of electricity is interrupted and then begins again. They only last a couple of seconds, and can be internal or external. Internal surges originate from a source inside the building, like faulty wiring or damaged components. Lightning strikes are external surges. Power surges also occur due to electricity flow changes within the power grid, such as:
- The sudden surge when electrical power is restored following an outage
- Electrical utility equipment malfunctions, such as broken electrical lines or overheated transformers
- Tree limbs falling on electrical lines, rerouting electricity to the ground instead of through the line
While lightning strikes are the most powerful surges, they are also the rarest. Smaller surges from within are actually the most common cause of power surges.
How Can a Power Surge Damage Your HVAC System?
Today’s HVAC systems have circuit boards and electronics that are highly sensitive to changes in electrical currents. A power surge can cause your AC to stop working or even blow out. It could also overheat and possibly start a fire, which can damage the capacitor.
With a power surge, some electricity escapes, causing arcing. Arcing and overheating can cause wiring to melt. Depending on the level of damage, repair costs can be extremely expensive. In some cases, it costs less to replace your furnace or air conditioner than to repair it.
Surge Protection for Your HVAC System
A whole-home surge protector connects to your electrical panel, protecting your system from electrical damage. Excess voltage from outside, such as from a lightning strike or a blown transformer, redirects power away from your HVAC system. You don’t have to unplug everything or stand by the breaker box during every storm: The device does it for you.
While no protector can block every type of surge, especially a direct lightning strike, they handle most voltage spikes from utility issues or weather events. For most systems, that layer of protection is the difference between a quick recovery and a costly repair call.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals navigate the HVAC industry. We can develop a cost-effective, customized program for your building that will help customers make informed decisions. Click Here to Request a Quote!
To learn more about the importance of reopening your building safely, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at 202.860.1412 or sales@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority treatment with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and Pinterest!