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Protect Your HVAC From Being Zapped!

Staff|09 July 2021

The heat, humidity and sea breezes on both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts make a perfect combination for thunderstorms over the Florida Peninsula. Despite being the 'Sunshine' State, Florida averages thunderstorms 70-100 days per year with 1.2 million lightning flashes according to a 10-year study. Even though it is deemed the most common source of power surges in Florida but is not the only culprit. Power line failure, faulty wiring and transformer issues can all cause high voltage spikes that can be damaging to your electrical equipment/appliances, especially your HVAC system. 

Lightning strikes can create a host of problems for your air conditioning unit, especially when it is not protected. A spike in voltage could cause the breaker to trip or fuses to blow due to damaged electrical lines. A power surge can burn electrical wires within the air conditioner or within your home, which could lead to air conditioning unit failure. In some cases, the effects of lightning strikes may not be obvious right away. However, poor performance may be noticeable over time. 

In total, billions are spent by homeowners each year on damage control after lightning strikes. Inexpensive appliances such as a TV can be easily replaced, but your air conditioning system represents a major investment. Installing a simple and inexpensive power surge protector on your AC systems is an excellent way to combat this threat. Palm Air wants to ensure that your home and your AC are always well protected. While turning off your AC system is the best way to prevent lightning strikes from damaging it, there may be instances where someone is not at home during a thunderstorm. Here are two surge protectors that can proactively help mitigate damages:

• ECM Protectors: These help to protect valuable motors from voltage spikes, surges, and transients that often damage them. These protectors simply plug in between the motor connector and the existing wiring harness. A ground strap with a ring terminal is provided for additional protection.
• ICM Protectors: These are low cost, rugged, motor temperature monitoring devices designed to shut off power to a motor before thermal damage occurs. It helps protect against under voltage, over temperature, power interruptions, rapid short cycling and shorted or open temperature sensor. 

At Palm Air, we want to ensure your system’s ability to safely deliver reliable, efficient home comfort all year long, no matter how many thunderstorms pass! Our ‘Lightning Strikes’ promotion runs from July 1st to September 30th, 2021 where you can enjoy great prices on the ICM and ECM surge protectors. If you think your AC system may have already suffered damages from voltage spikes, then it is important to have the experts at Palm Air inspect it to avoid more damages down the road. We can’t predict when or where lightning will strike but we can help you protect your investment. Just give us a call today (561) 922-3199 to find out more!