Imagine you’re in your home with the air conditioner running full blast as you try to escape another 96-degree summer day. Suddenly, everything powers off due to an electrical grid problem. The lack of cool air can be frustrating enough; however, you may also find yourself worrying about the long-term effects.
Can a power outage damage an AC unit in Flower Mound, TX? At Triple A AC, Heating, & Plumbing & Heating, we can provide you with answers. Our dedicated team has been around since 1949, so we’re no strangers to power outages and the damage they inflict. According to Statistica, Texas is the number-one state for major outages, with over 260 blackouts from 2000 to 2023. So, we have plenty of field training in these recurring issues; we’ll share our knowledge below.
Outages, Surges, and Their Impact on Your Cooling System
Outages occur for numerous reasons, from utility grid malfunctions and severe weather to overloaded household circuit breakers and blown fuses. Regardless of the cause, outages halt the energy flow. Usually, blackouts aren’t harmful, but they can be if a surge happens as the power comes back on.
After the utility company fixes the problem or you reset your breaker, a high influx of electricity moves into your home, which is known as a power surge. These surges fry electronics and appliances, leading to the following issues.
Overheating Capacitor and Compressor
The capacitor collects and stores electricity, sending out an adequate amount to start the compressor. If a surge damages the capacitor (or the compressor receives excess electricity from the surge itself), the latter won’t turn on to complete the heat exchange process. Therefore, the AC system continues to run without releasing cool air, causing the unit to overheat and shut down again.
You may need anAC repair in Flower Mound, TX, for your capacitor or compressor. If you continue to run it as-is, you’ll eventually need a more costly whole-unit replacement instead.
Blower Motor Failure
Can a power outage damage an AC unit’s motor as well? Unfortunately, voltage irregularities electrocute the control board, causing it to fail. This will reduce airflow and cooling capacity, leading to long cycling, an uncomfortable indoor climate, and higher energy bills.
Programming Issues
If you have a programmable thermostat, a surge may revert it to its factory setting. Your unit won’t run without regular temperature changes throughout the week; a technician must reset them so you can regain energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
However, in severe cases, surges damage your thermostat wiring, causing improper readings that send incorrect signals to your unit. In cases like these, you’ll need a to install a new thermostat.
What Should You Do During a Power Outage To Protect Your System?
Immediately after a power outage, turn off your air conditioner so that when the power comes back on, it doesn’t receive a surge of electricity. If it’s a breaker issue, locate the breaker box and safely turn the power back on. However, if it’s a utility grid issue, prepare for your indoor climate to suddenly get warmer until the utility company turns the power back on. To keep yourself comfortable, you should:
- Shut all entry points, like doors and windows, to keep your controlled climate in
- Break out any manual or battery-powered fans you have to circulate this air
After the power returns, keep your unit off for 30 minutes to properly reset it. Then, set the thermostat five degrees lower than your current indoor temperature to keep your unit from trying to do too much too soon.
Preventative Measures for Your Flower Mound Home
Semi-annual maintenance strengthens your system, preparing it to handle issues like power outages and surges. During these checkups, technicians fix minor imperfections, tighten loose parts, and lubricate moving components so they’re in top condition. Remember, it won’t take much to bring down a struggling unit.
In addition, consider whole-home surge protection. These surge protectors suppress electricity during spikes by diverting excess voltage to ground wires. So, consider these devices to avoid:
- Shorts
- Surges
- Damaged wires and devices
- Electrocution
- House fires
Trust Generations of Experience!
At Triple A AC, Heating, & Plumbing & Heating, three generations worth of experience backs our five-star HVAC company. With this, alongside our goal of complete customer satisfaction, you can be confident you’ll get fantastic results. Trust us whether you’re preparing your HVAC system for the summer heat or wondering, “Can a power outage damage an AC unit?” Call our local business at 469-731-8704 for an appointment!