One of the most important appliances in your home that can be affected by a power surge is your furnace. Furnaces are essential in keeping your home warm during the cold winter months, and any damage to them can be costly and inconvenient. So, can a power surge damage a furnace? The answer is yes, and here is why.
How can a Power Surge damage a furnace?
Furnaces rely on electrical components to function. When there is a sudden increase in electrical current due to a power surge, these components can get overloaded and fail. The damage can range from minor issues like blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers to major problems like a malfunctioning control board or a burnt-out blower motor.
- Damaging the control board
One of the most common ways that power surges damage furnaces is by damaging the control board. The control board is the brain of the furnace, and it controls all of its functions. It communicates with the thermostat to turn the furnace on and off, and it also regulates the fan speed, gas valve, and igniter. When a power surge hits, the control board can get fried, causing the furnace to stop working altogether.
Related: Symptoms of Power Surge
- Overloading the blower motor
Another way that power surges can damage furnaces is by overloading the blower motor. The blower motor is responsible for blowing warm air through the ducts and into your home. When a power surge hits, the electrical current can overload the motor, causing it to burn out or stop working. Without the blower motor, the furnace will not be able to distribute heat throughout your home, and you will be left in the cold.
- Damaging the transformer
Power surges can also damage the transformer, which is responsible for converting the electrical current to the right voltage for the furnace to function. If the transformer is damaged, the furnace will not be able to get the power it needs to work.
- Damaging the gas valve and the ignition system
In addition to these components, power surges can also damage other parts of the furnace, including the gas valve and the ignition system. If the gas valve is damaged, the furnace will not be able to get the gas it needs to heat your home. And if the ignition system is damaged, the furnace will not be able to light the pilot light, which means that it will not be able to start at all.
How to prevent Power Surge from damaging Furnace?
- Install Surge Protection devices
Preventing power surges from damaging your furnace is essential. One of the best ways to do this is by installing a surge protector. Surge protectors work by diverting excess electrical current away from your appliances and into the ground, preventing damage. A surge protector can be installed on your furnace’s electrical panel or on the outlet where it is plugged in.
- Unplug all Unnecessary devices
Another way to prevent power surges from damaging your furnace is by turning off large appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators when you are not using them. These appliances draw a lot of power, and turning them on and off can cause power fluctuations that can lead to power surges.
- Regular Inspection by a professional HVAC technician
Finally, it is important to have your furnace inspected regularly by a professional HVAC technician. They can check for any signs of wear and tear and replace any components that may be at risk of failing. Regular maintenance can also help ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and safely, reducing the risk of power surges and other types of damage.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, power surges can damage your furnace, and it is important to take steps to prevent this from happening. Installing a surge protector, turning off large appliances, and having your furnace inspected regularly can help reduce the risk of damage and ensure the protection of your furnace and all of your appliances by installing a Whole House Surge Protector. Consider this pro tip because after installing the Whole House Surge Protector you will be tension free about the effects of power surges as it will handle all this stuff.
Read also: Best 3 Phase Surge Protection devices