Can a Power Outage Damage Your AC Unit?

Losing power can be frustrating since you’ll temporarily be without a working air conditioning system, but can a power outage damage an AC unit? The experts at A1 Mechanical specialize in HVAC repair in Louisville, KY, and are here to share all of the ways that power failure can affect your HVAC system. Discover everything you need to know about safeguarding your air conditioner in this guide. 

How Power Outages Affect Air Conditioning Systems

When you lose power for an extended period of time, your air conditioner won’t be able to function, causing your indoor environment to become warm and humid. Your main concern will be your comfort level and restoring the power so your air conditioner can work again. However, power outages can be quite damaging to HVAC equipment. 

Discover the biggest air conditioning issues that often arise from power failure. 

Power Surge

When it comes to air conditioner damage, your biggest concern shouldn’t be losing power but rather when it turns back on. Extreme voltage fluctuations when the electricity returns can cause a power surge and cause affected appliances or devices to shut down. A surge will occur if your electrical system can’t handle the strain and may cause enough damage to the affected equipment that you’ll have to repair or replace it. 

A power surge can result in electrical issues like blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers as well as damage to the equipment you’re powering. Air conditioners are more prone to damage from power surges because of the amount of electricity they require and will greatly benefit from surge protection devices. 

Compressor Failure

If you ask an HVAC technician, “How can a power outage damage an AC unit?” they’ll tell you that power surges can cause your compressor to overheat. The compressor is known as the heart of the air conditioner and will require extensive repairs if it becomes damaged. In severe cases, you might need to replace your unit if the damage is beyond repair. 

Settings Reset

Your air conditioning installer will program the system to the ideal settings for your comfort. However, a power outage will wipe out these settings and leave you with a blank slate when the power returns. Reconfiguring the settings when the electricity is back can be a hassle and if you aren’t careful, you might compromise the system’s function. 

Poor Cooling Process

When a circuit breaker trips and shuts off power to your running air conditioner, it will disrupt the cooling process. Most homeowners will find that the air conditioner function should be back to normal within 24 hours of the power returning. Your unit might need time to warm itself up and recover from damage to any of the cooling stages but if the problem persists, have a licensed technician inspect your equipment. 

How To Protect Your Air Conditioner From Electrical Damage

Not only can a power outage damage an AC unit temporarily but the aftermath can be so severe that you have to repair or even replace your cooling system. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to avoid the scenarios mentioned above. The following tips can help safeguard your unit. 

Use a Surge Protector

Electrical surge protection devices will give you peace of mind by preventing major voltage spikes from hitting your air conditioner. Investing in a surge protector serves as an affordable way to prevent damage to your air conditioning unit and will save you money on repairs or premature replacement. 

Turn It Off During a Storm

Lightning and flooding will destroy your air conditioner. For your safety, turn your cooling system off during a storm to avoid damage from lightning striking the equipment while it’s operating. If your home begins to take on water because of heavy rain and it encroaches on the outlet that powers your air conditioner, quickly unplug it. 

Update Your Electrical System

Have an electrician inspect your home’s wires and electrical panel and upgrade them if necessary. Worn-out equipment is more susceptible to damage during a power surge. Booking an electrical inspection will not only help you avoid damage to your HVAC system after a power outage but also common electrical issues, including:

• Flickering lights
• Sparking outlets
• Overheating electrical panels
• Frayed wires

Prioritize Air Conditioning Maintenance

How can a power outage damage an AC unit if you invest in regular maintenance? The system may appear to be working fine after an unexpected power surge but could sustain damage that may worsen over time or if you lose power again. Schedule yearly tune-up services with a qualified contractor who can evaluate your system and perform minor repairs if necessary. 

After a storm or unexpected electrical failure, it’s smart to schedule a professional inspection to rule out problems with your unit. Experts know how to identify problems with your compressor, motor blower, or other key components of your air conditioner. They’ll recommend repairs if notable damage is present and give you peace of mind. 

Tips for Restoring Your Air Conditioner After Power Failure

There won’t be much you can do to speed up the power restoration process. Whether your home loses power for five minutes or five hours, the following tips can help you minimize damage to your air conditioner:

• Switch off the circuit breaker that powers your HVAC equipment during the outage. 
• Once the power is back on, wait a few minutes before you flip the circuit breaker on. 
• Assess the air conditioner’s performance if it turns back on. 
• Contact an expert if the unit won’t turn on after a power outage.

Choose A1 Mechanical for Superior HVAC Services 

Not only can a power outage damage an AC unit but it can be severe enough to replace your unit if outages happen frequently. Precautions like a surge protector can help avoid serious issues but ask HVAC technicians about other ways you can preserve your system for the long haul. 

When you’re having trouble with your HVAC equipment, turn to A1 Mechanical. We’re Louisville’s trusted HVAC contractor for both residential and commercial services. To request an appointment, give us a call at (502) 708-2247. Get the help you need.