Homeowners in Florida face added risks when it comes to lightning and hurricane damage throughout the year. The National Institute of Standards and Technology warns that failing to protect your home from electrical surges caused by storms or improper use of electrical equipment can cause costly damage to your HVAC system and home electronics. Read on to learn how surge protection can help prevent HVAC damage and keep your electronics running smoothly.
Damage Caused by Electrical Surges
The voltage delivered to electronics and appliances in your home is designed to fall into a specific range to ensure that these appliances can be safely powered. During a power surge, the voltage delivered to your electronics exceeds the safe range. Excess voltage leads to overheating in the circuit. The resulting heat may cause permanent damage to your electronics or appliances.
In addition to electrical damage caused by power surges, the heat associated with surges can also lead to electrical fires. Fire risk from power surges is highest when electrical wiring is not installed properly, so it is important to leave any installation to a professional.
Whole-Home Surge Protection Provides Comprehensive Coverage
If you are thinking about purchasing a plug-in surge protector, you should be aware that these outlet-specific units provide very limited protection. Single-outlet units are typically not able to provide protection against surges caused by lightning strikes. These units are not really surge protectors; outlet-specific units are just a type of circuit breaker designed to cut the power to the outlet when surges occur.
Whole-home surge protection is a more effective option. This type of protection is installed directly into your electrical box by a professional to ensure that all electronics throughout your home receive protection at all times.
For more information about keeping your HVAC system and electronics safe during surges, check out Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat’s proper installation solutions or call (321) 222-0605.
