Why Your AC Hates Bad Voltage
Voltage is one of the most important aspects of your home’s electrical system. It’s the reason your air conditioner kicks on and keeps running. In the U.S., for most homes, the standard voltage is either 120 or 240 volts, depending on the appliance. Your air-conditioner runs on that power, but it demands consistency. A voltage variation occurs when the electrical supply moves above or below where it is supposed to be. That may not sound like a big deal, but your AC disagrees.
Sometimes the voltage dips for only a few seconds, and your lights may flicker. Other times, it might surge and then go out. These fluctuations could occur during a storm, as a power grid has problems, or if someone uses high-powered tools or equipment. A few quick dips may not matter, and your AC can just run longer next time, but repeated blips over weeks and months add up.
Why It’s Bad for the Compressor
Think of your AC compressor as the backbone of the system. It pressurizes refrigerant in the unit, cooling the air in your home. If the compressor is working hard to start and the voltage sags too low, it may stumble or even fail to start at all. It’s what’s known as a “hard start,” and it stresses the system greatly.
If the voltage gets too high, the compressor may overheat or burn out. Either way, there’s a massively expensive repair waiting to be made. A compressor itself can cost hundreds, or even more than a thousand dollars, to replace. Sometimes it’s cheapest to replace the entire system, rather than just the compressor.
Other Parts Can Suffer Too
It isn’t only the compressor at risk. Voltage fluctuations may also destroy the circuit board, fans, or capacitors. Think of a capacitor as a sidekick that stores extra power so that your AC has the push it needs to get started. With a surge, the component might get fried, and your unit may not even start up. On the other hand, if the voltage dips too low when the unit is operating, it may stop suddenly and let your house get warm and muggy.
How to Stay Ahead of It
You don’t have to be an electrician to safeguard your air conditioner. You simply must watch for signs. If your lights are flickering or your AC is randomly stopping and starting, it’s time to call in a professional. An expert can test the system and determine if voltage problems are the culprit. They might recommend including a surge protector or putting in a hard start kit to help your unit cope with future power bumps.
Catching these problems early matters. A properly functioning air conditioner maintains both a comfortable home and reasonable energy bills. To inspect and repair the AC in your Abilene, TX home, call Olympus Electric & Air.
