If your AC unit experiences electrical complications, contact Topline Heating & Air at (717) 628-6825 for immediate professional service.
For many households, the HVAC system is responsible for most of a property’s energy consumption. The unit won’t work correctly without retaining the appropriate voltage. So, can low voltage damage air conditioners?
Topline Heating & Air is Honey Brook’s expert AC maintenance and repair company. Our service has hundreds of five-star reviews, years of quality workmanship, and unbeatable 24/7 customer service. Here, our team shares information on various causes for voltage drops in your air conditioner and steps you can take to avoid the problem.
Common Ways Low Voltage Affects Cooling Systems
If you’re wondering, “Can low voltage damage air conditioners?” you’re not alone. These systems require a substantial amount of electricity to cool indoor spaces properly. However, not everyone understands or pays attention to the fact that air conditioners need sufficient power to function until a problem arises.
Voltage issues can get in the way of your AC unit’s performance. It may stop working correctly, leaving your household without enough cool air to create a comfortable indoor environment. Failing to address the issue usually leads to expensive HVAC repairs or replacements.
Below are specific issues low voltage can lead to in an air conditioner.
Increase in Electricity Usage
Voltage drops in air conditioners and other electrical appliances when the electrical current running into the property decreases. The electrical load could change because of several factors, including:
- Bad wiring
- Lack of wiring insulation
- Increased loads on a local power grid
If your house doesn’t receive enough voltage, your cooling system could take a hit as the property’s biggest electricity consumer. The drop in voltage may force the unit to consume excess energy and pull a higher current. As a result, your property will consume more energy, leading to higher utility expenses.
Higher Motor Temperature
Some parts in a functional air conditioner, like its motor, may get warm while it runs, but they won’t overheat. The AC’s compressor will turn on and circulate coolant through the unit when it has the proper voltage.
However, the motor will need more power to operate correctly if the air conditioner has low voltage, which can cause the component to overheat. If an air conditioner loses 5% of its voltage, the motor’s temperature may increase between 5% and 10%.
The reason for the extra heat is the added strain on the system. Drawing in extra energy to make up for low voltage overworks the motor as it tries to produce the desired airflow without enough power. If you don’t manage this issue, the strained components will suffer from premature wear and tear over time, leading to unexpected system failure and costly AC replacement.
Burned Winding
HVAC windings are a collection of copper wiring around a stator. The stator, wiring, and electricity help the AC motor run.
An excessive voltage drop and increased motor heat can cause the winding to burn, leading to a severe malfunction in the AC unit’s motor and performance. Burnt windings are also a fire hazard. A common sign of low voltage in an air conditioner’s electrical system is the sharp burning odor of damaged windings.
You can prevent this severe problem by scheduling routine HVAC checkups with a qualified heating and cooling contractor. These professionals can assess your AC unit’s electrical components to detect and fix potentially dangerous conditions, like faulty connections and melted wiring.
Reduced Function
You might expect an air conditioner to stop working without enough volts. However, central and window air conditioning systems can turn on under low voltage conditions. Yet, they won’t work at their optimal capacity, even after consuming excess energy.
Most people realize they have a voltage issue when they notice their air conditioners’ decreased cooling capacity. In such cases, the system consumes a lot of energy without cooling spaces properly.
Like an overworked motor, other AC parts (including the fans and capacitors) will suffer from inadequate voltage. Your house won’t only feel warmer when using an air conditioner at a low voltage. It will also increase the risk of needing an early cooling system replacement.
Tips To Maintain Your AC Unit’s Required Voltage
As with any other appliance, regular maintenance will help you avoid preventable problems with your cooling system. Keep your air conditioning unit fully functional and safe by ensuring it has high enough voltage. Here are some simple tips to help.
Invest in a Surge Protector
Surge protection regulates voltage levels by preventing sudden electrical surges. Even minor surges can have a lasting effect on an appliance’s long-term performance. The surge protector connects to an outlet and your AC’s conductor cables to block extra voltage while maintaining the volts your system needs.
Check the Voltage
Your air conditioner requires continuous power from the right voltage to operate at maximum capacity. Part of your AC maintenance checklist should include regularly monitoring the electrical circuit’s voltage going to your cooling system. Investing in equipment like a multimeter will make it easier to check the volts running through your HVAC unit and ensure they meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
Install a Voltage Stabilizer
A voltage stabilizer adjusts an appliance’s input current. It operates like a surge protector by preventing unexpected electrical current surges that could damage the system and impact its performance. With a stabilizer, your AC will keep its required voltage level, thus preventing overheating, electrical-related mechanical problems, and performance issues.
Get Premium HVAC Services From Topline Heatingcan low voltage damage air conditioner & Air
Now that you know the answer to “Can low voltage damage air conditioners?” put your air conditioner in the hands of Topline Heating & Air. We are proud to serve Honey Brook, PA, with professional HVAC services, skilled technicians, and a friendly customer service crew. Our team can address any concern, including regular maintenance services to identify why your house is humid when the AC is on.
Schedule a free estimate from Topline Heating & Air today by calling (717) 628-6825.