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During the hot summer months, your air conditioner gets plenty of use keeping you cool. An uptick in the amount of electricity used can cause unexpected power surges. This begs the question: Can you plug an air conditioner into a surge protector?
The team at Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair, a trusted source for HVAC services in Greenwood, Indiana, explains whether it’s safe to connect air conditioners to power strips. Discover how you can protect your home or business from power surges without compromising your comfort in this helpful guide.
Dangers of Power Surges
Unexpected glitches in the local power grid can cause a wave of electrical voltage to the devices in your home. This event, known as an external power surge, can occur at any time, with common causes being:
- Lightning strikes
- Electrical grid switching
- Power outages
It’s also possible for an internal surge to happen. This is often due to certain appliances requiring large amounts of electricity to operate, which can short the rest of your devices. When sudden voltage spikes run through electrical devices, the amount of power coursing through the electrical system can cause severe damage.
In some cases, appliances or devices will need costly repairs or replacement following a surge. Many of these systems can’t handle the sudden burst of voltage, and it ruins many electrical components. Air conditioners are especially vulnerable since they contain a slew of sensitive electrical components, including:
- Circuit boards
- Compressors
- Fan motors
- And more
How Surge Protectors Work
Before we answer the question, “Can you plug an air conditioner into a surge protector?” learn more about how these electrical sources prevent damage to your devices. You can deploy several types of surge protectors, depending on the number of devices you wish to keep safe from voltage spikes. Common types of surge protectors include:
- Power strips
- Portable surge protectors
- Wall-mounted surge protectors
- Whole-house surge protectors
Each of these has a different design, but they all work to keep your devices safe from voltage fluctuations. They direct the excess voltage to the ground. This way, the power surge won’t impact any devices connected, such as air conditioners, dishwashers, phone chargers, and more.
If you choose to use a power strip, only the devices that are plugged into it will have protection from internal or external surges. A whole-house surge protector keeps all electrical outlets in your home free from surges. You should choose the style that best suits your needs and make sure that it can accommodate your electronics and appliances.
Can You Plug an Air Conditioner Into a Surge Protector?
Plugging your devices into a protective power strip is an excellent way to keep them safe from the effects of high-voltage surges. Since air conditioners can require costly repairs following a power surge, using a power strip, whole-house surge protector, or similar solution can save you money.
The damage primarily comes from the motor, which uses a lot of electricity when the system first starts to run. Power surges can cause the motor to malfunction or damage other electrical components within the cooling system. As a result, your home won’t have reliable cooling when you need it most. Fixing the damaged pieces can turn into an expensive repair project, and in some cases, you may need to replace the unit.
You can avoid all these hassles by plugging your air conditioner into a surge protector. The extra voltage won’t directly impact your unit and will save you the repair costs.
Benefits of Using a Surge Protector for Your HVAC System
Not only can you plug an air conditioner into a surge protector, but experts recommend that you do. You’ll save money on unnecessary repairs and can keep your unit running longer. Combining this with routine maintenance can extend the life of your air conditioner and keep it running efficiently.
It’s not just your air conditioner that you can keep in good condition. If you connect other appliances or electronics to a surge protector, they will remain functional despite any glitches in the power grid. You’ll be able to live comfortably with a working air conditioner and damage-free electronics throughout your home.
To reap these benefits, reach out to a trusted HVAC expert. Professional technicians understand the complexities of different cooling systems, including the amount of electricity they draw. It’s critical that you pair your air conditioning unit with a surge protector that can accommodate the unit’s electrical capacity. Technicians will evaluate the size of your system before recommending a specific type of surge protector.
How To Prevent Power Surges
Not only can you plug an air conditioner into a surge protector as a precaution, but you can actually prevent internal power surges.
Make sure you upgrade your surge protectors every two years. They will become less effective over time, so replacement is necessary to avoid serious electrical damage.
You may have several devices and appliances you want to keep safe. However, it’s dangerous to overload a power strip with high-powered electronics. Limit the number of devices you plug in to avoid sparking an electrical fire.
Finally, you can install a hard start kit to protect your air conditioning compressor. This kit stores and supplies excess energy so the system can turn on without using too much power.
Contact the Professional HVAC Technicians at Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair
After reading this information, you now have the answer to the question, “Can you plug an air conditioner into a surge protector?” Do you know how long to run an air conditioner for the most efficient use? Are you not sure how often you should replace your HVAC air filter?
The experts at Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair are happy to answer these questions and more. We proudly install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems so you stay comfortable all year long. Contact us at (317) 316-0493 to speak with one of our friendly specialists.