The Elgin summers can be brutal, which makes having your air conditioner in top condition a necessity. Protecting your AC unit from normal wear and tear and avoiding disruptions to normal function can help.
Some issues can harm your AC more than others. If you’ve been wondering “Can low voltage damage your air conditioner?” keep reading to find out more. In the past, the low voltage impact on AC units has led to damage, but have things changed? And what can you do to protect your AC and keep your cool? What’s the electrical damage to AC from low voltage, if any?
When you’re looking for a reliable AC repair contractor in Elgin, look no further than Leith Heating & Cooling. We aim to provide the best in service and the best in knowledge, which is why we’ll take you through everything you need to know about low voltage and your air conditioner.
Why You Might Have Low Voltage in Your Elgin, IL, Home
During the summer months, everyone has the same idea: stay cool. As people spend more time indoors to escape the heat, fans, ACs, and other electronics stay plugged in. When this happens across an entire town or electricity grid use area, the extra stress placed on the grid can sometimes lower the voltage, or electricity, coming into your home.
However, low voltage isn’t always caused by an overworked grid. Sometimes, it can result from an improperly working outlet. Faulty or loose wiring within an outlet can lead to low voltage output.
AC Unit Vulnerability to Low Voltage
The reason low voltage fluctuation effects on air conditioners can be negative is because of the way some AC units work. When there is inadequate voltage, your AC’s compressor, the part responsible for keeping the motor of the AC cool, shuts off.
The compressor attempts to restart itself multiple times during AC use, but if the low voltage persists, then your AC motor risks overheating and eventually burning out. The overheating motor can also damage other vital components in your air conditioner such as the winding. The winding is a coil of copper wiring and when it becomes damaged it can not only impact the air conditioner function but also become a fire hazard.
The effects of low voltage on cooling systems can be more than just causing your temperature to spike. It can also cause your energy costs to skyrocket. Low voltage situations still allow air conditioners to run, but at a reduced output. This means your Elgin air conditioner may run longer and use more energy to do less.
Is Every Air Conditioner at Risk for Low Voltage Damage?
Now that we’ve answered “Can low voltage damage an air conditioner?” you may be wondering if it can damage your air conditioner specifically. Though the first air conditioner over a hundred years ago was as big as a room, there are now air conditioners of all shapes and sizes.
While the first air conditioners all looked and operated the same, there are now air conditioners with varying parts that affect the way they function. For example, though nearly all air conditioners have a compressor, the type and sometimes even the number of compressors may differ between units. Some compressors, or the presence of multiple compressors, can provide protection against low voltage.
Known as inverter air compressors, this type of compressor is better equipped for handling low-voltage situations. However, swapping your current unit for an inverter air unit may not be that simple.
For example, central air systems tend to use standard air compressors. Also, if you want to be cool fast, inverter air compressors tend to take longer to get to the desired temperature.
When assessing the risk of low voltage on your air conditioner, it’s best to have an expert come take a look. But there are more situations than just low-voltage that should have you contacting a reliable AC repair contractor in Elgin.
Common Signs of a Faulty Air Conditioner
More than protecting against the low voltage risks for air conditioners, a proper technician can help improve air conditioner function to lower overall energy costs. They can also help identify and repair other causes of air conditioner malfunctioning.
It isn’t your job to determine whether low voltage damaged your AC or another malfunction occurred. Instead, a professional contractor can diagnose and resolve all of these issues for you:
Improper Cooling
If you find yourself waiting hours or longer to feel the effects of your air conditioner, this could be a sign that there’s a problem. If you have central heating, there may be a blockage with your venting system. A helpful tip is to make sure that your vents are open and have been given a quick wipe-down. If the cooling problem persists, call a pro.
Constant Shut Offs
If you hear your air conditioner start, work, but then shut off, there may be a problem with the internal machinery of your unit. It isn’t recommended that you keep trying to get the air conditioner to work, as this could be a situation similar to the one mentioned before, where the motor may overheat and become damaged due to a faulty compressor.
Higher Energy Use Bills
Even if your air conditioner seems to be working properly and you aren’t setting the thermostat again and again, your energy bills may indicate a problem with your air conditioner that you aren’t feeling. A mildly affected air conditioner may not have any effect on your body, but it can have a major effect on your wallet.
Keep Your Cool With Leith Heating and Cooling in Elgin, IL
Don’t spend time wondering “Can low voltage damage my air conditioner?” If you’re worried about your AC unit, call in the experts.
At Leith Heating & Cooling, our community members in Elgin value us. Voted Daily Herald’s ‘Best of The Best’ in 2022, we have over 400 5-star reviews from your neighbors. Our technicians aim to give the best in service. We’ve helped many, and we’d love to help you too.
Call today at 847-534-8686 to schedule a service!