Air conditioners use a lot of electricity and require the voltage to be at a precise level. But what if the voltage is too low? Can low voltage damage an air conditioner?
The answer is yes; low voltages can damage your air conditioner and cause it to overheat. Discover more about how voltages in air conditioners work and how to address electrical problems with your AC.
Concerned about a voltage issue? Contact CREW Heating & Cooling today to schedule air conditioner repair in Atascocita, TX.
How Low Voltages Affect Your Air Conditioner
Most residential air conditioners run at 110/120 volts, depending on the size of the unit. When AC voltage falls, most electrical components cannot run at sufficient electrical capacity. This can result in several problems that can ultimately damage your AC, depending on air conditioner usage. Below are some of the most common problems caused by low AC voltage.
Burnt Out Motor
The most pressing problem with low voltage is it can damage specific components, such as the main blower motor. AC motors typically produce some heat when in operation, but the compressor and coolant fluid keep it at workable temperatures.
When the voltage is low, the AC motor has to draw more electricity to get the same performance, which can cause it to overheat. For every 5% of additional electricity pulled, your motor gets 5% to 10% hotter. After a certain point, the motor will burn out and will require replacement. AC motors are one of the most expensive components to replace, so a damaged motor might justify replacing your entire AC unit.
More Electricity Consumption
Similarly, low AC voltages can also cause your energy bills to spike. The lower the voltage, the more electricity your system has to use, but the performance stays roughly the same. The result is your AC performance stays static but your monthly cooling bills will start to spike. This can be particularly noticeable during periods of high AC usage, such as during Atascocita’s scorching hot summers.
Bad Performance
Most importantly, low AC voltage negatively affects AC performance. Your air conditioner won’t be able to cool your house efficiently and you will find pockets of uneven cooling. If you notice that your air conditioner’s performance is suffering, odds are that your electrical systems are on the fritz and are contributing to the poor performance.
Protect Your AC From Low Voltages in Atascocita, TX
Now that you know the answer to “Can low voltage damage your air conditioner?” let’s talk about some strategies to prevent air conditioner damage. Low voltage is bad news and can quickly cripple your AC system and cause lasting damage. Below are some tips to help you keep your air conditioner at proper voltages.
Get a Surge Protector
A surge protector is probably the best way to protect your AC from power fluctuations and voltage drops. Surge protectors contain a special metal piece called a metal oxide varistor that can ‘absorb’ excess voltage like a sponge. The MOV then shunts that additional voltage into a grounded circuit, where it can dissipate harmlessly. Surge protectors prevent your AC from sustaining damage due to power surges, which can cause regular voltages to fall. Surge protectors can also protect any other electrical devices you have connected to them.
Regularly Check Voltages
Consider investing in a voltmeter so you can regularly test your AC voltage levels. To test voltage levels, first, turn off your AC unit entirely and find the voltage jacks in the unit. Place the red meter into the ‘hot’ jack and the black meter into the ‘neutral’ jack. Check the meter to ensure the voltage is correct (it should read either 120V or 240V, depending on your system). If the voltage is off, contact a professional to diagnose the issue.
Get a Voltage Stabilizer
A voltage stabilizer is a special device that internally modifies AC voltage to prevent spikes and drops. Voltage stabilizers have a series of transformers and circuits that increase or decrease the voltages as necessary. Voltage stabilizers are similar to surge protectors in that they dissipate excess electricity and can keep internal components from sustaining damage.
AC Repairs and Maintenance in Atascocita, TX
Read our website to learn more about our maintenance program and schedule an appointment. If you have any more questions like, “Can low voltage damage an air conditioner?” contact CREW Heating & Cooling online or give us a call today at 832-220-5950 to schedule an appointment in Atascocita, TX!