We all know April showers bring May flowers. We also know some of those showers here in the Dayton area can get pretty severe. It's estimated that 1 in every 200 hundred houses in the US will be struck by lightning every year. If you take a look around your house, how many devices do you have plugged in that could potentially be at risk of experiencing a surge as a result of a lightning strike, or even from an AES electrical issue? Phones, TV’s, computers, coffee maker. What about the permanent fixtures? Lights, ceiling fans, stove, dryer! What about your heating and cooling unit?
It’s true, they don't make them like they used to. “Back in my day we could fix anything with a simple relay”. And also back in those days heating systems were about 50% efficient. Heating and cooling units have gone through numerous innovations, including the use of printed circuit boards now being used in almost all systems. And the more efficient the system, the more boards we pack in them. On top of that, we have compressors and fan motors to be concerned with as well.
With new heating and cooling units costing in the tens of thousands of dollars, doesn't it make sense to add some cheap insurance? Surge protection devices now come in all shapes and sizes, to accommodate our growing need to install them on just about everything nowadays. With the complexity of modern heating and cooling units, and the ease of installation of today's surge protection devices, we are making them a standard installation item for our top tier units. That's not to say lower tier models don't have a need for them, they certainly do. But the complexity and number of sensitive devices inside new top tier units, it's a no brainer the need to install them.
So what Is an HVAC Surge Protector and where do we install them?
An HVAC surge protector is a device installed near your heating and cooling system. Its primary function is to shield your HVAC unit from power surges—sudden spikes in electricity that can occur during lightning storms, power outages, or even when large appliances cycle on and off. Without protection, these surges can damage or destroy your HVAC system's electronics and electrical components, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Why Surge Protection Matters in Dayton
Dayton's weather is known for its extremes, from intense summer storms to freezing winter conditions. We all know these fluctuations can lead to power inconsistencies, making surge protection even more crucial.
These are my top reasons why installing a surge protector is a wise decision:
1-Protects Your Investment
HVAC systems can cost thousands of dollars. A surge protector, typically under $275 installed, offers affordable insurance against potential damage.
2- Enhances System Reliability
Frequent minor surges can wear down components over time. Surge protection helps extend the lifespan of your system.
3- Provides Peace of Mind
With a surge protector in place, you won't have to worry every time a storm approaches or the lights flicker.
Power surges are unpredictable, but protecting your HVAC system doesn't have to be. Installing a surge protector is a simple step that can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your heating and cooling system.
Protect your home and enjoy peace of mind with JBH Heating & Air—your local, family owned HVAC experts in Dayton, Ohio.
If you need more comprehensive coverage of your whole home, please reach out to our friends are Singer Vaughn Electric to schedule a whole home surge protection device.
