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Power surges are sudden spikes in electrical voltage that can damage electronic devices and appliances.
These surges can occur for various reasons, such as lightning strikes, faulty wiring, or power outages.
While most people think of electronics like computers and televisions when it comes to power surge damage, furnaces can also be susceptible to damage from power surges.
Yes, power surges can damage a furnace, particularly electric furnaces, and it is important to take steps to protect your furnace from power surges.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the risks of power surges to furnaces, how to protect your furnace from power surges, and what to do if your furnace is damaged by a power surge.
How Power Surges Can Occur
A power surge can occur when the electrical voltage in a power line suddenly increases, causing a rush of electricity to flow through the line.
This can happen for various reasons, such as lightning strikes, power outages, or equipment malfunctions.
For example, if a lightning bolt strikes a power line near your home, the sudden surge of electricity can overload your home’s electrical system and damage your electronic devices and appliances.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, power surges cause over $1 billion in property damage in the United States every year.
While most people are familiar with the damage that power surges can cause to their computers, televisions, and other electronic devices, they may not realize that their furnace is also at risk.
Risks of Power Surges to Furnaces
Furnaces are essential appliances that keep our homes warm and comfortable during the colder months.
However, they can also be expensive to repair or replace if they are damaged by a power surge. The risk of power surge damage to your furnace depends on the type of furnace you have.
Electric furnaces are more susceptible to power surges than gas or oil furnaces because they rely on electricity to generate heat and circulate air.
When a power surge occurs, the electrical components of your furnace can be damaged. For example, the control board or blower motor may malfunction or even fail completely.
This can cause your furnace to stop working or run inefficiently, leading to higher energy bills and potential safety hazards.
Protecting Your Furnace from Power Surges
There are several things you can do to protect your furnace from power surges. One of the easiest ways is to use surge protectors or whole-house surge protection devices.
Surge protectors are designed to protect your electronic devices from power surges by diverting excess voltage away from the devices.
Whole-house surge protection devices provide protection to your entire home by diverting excess voltage away from your electrical system.
In addition to surge protection devices, it’s also important to have your furnace inspected and maintained regularly by a qualified HVAC technician.
Regular maintenance can help identify and prevent potential damage to your furnace caused by power surges or other electrical issues.
Your HVAC technician can also install additional surge protection devices or recommend other ways to protect your furnace from power surges.
Read also my article: Microwave in Danger: How Power Surges Can Destroy Your Appliance.
What to Do if Your Furnace is Damaged by a Power Surge
If you suspect that your furnace has been damaged by a power surge, there are a few steps you can take to address the issue.
First, look for signs of damage, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, strange noises, or a burning smell.
If you notice any of these signs, turn off your furnace immediately and contact a qualified HVAC technician.
Your HVAC technician can assess the damage to your furnace and recommend the best course of action.
In some cases, repairs may be possible. However, if the damage is severe, you may need to replace your furnace.
While this can be expensive, it’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards.
Conclusion
Power surges are a common electrical issue that can cause significant damage to electronic devices and appliances in your home, including your furnace.
To protect your furnace from power surges, it’s important to use surge protection devices and have your furnace inspected and maintained regularly by a qualified HVAC technician.
If you suspect that your furnace has been damaged by a power surge, it’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards.
While the risk of power surge damage to your furnace may not be as well-known as the risk to other electronic devices in your home, it’s still a serious issue that should not be ignored.
By taking the appropriate steps to protect your furnace from power surges, you can help ensure that your furnace continues to provide reliable, efficient heating for your home.
