Can a Power Outage Damage an AC Unit?

If you believe your air conditioner has suffered damage, contact Gladiator Services at 201-419-6090.

Did you recently experience a loss of power while running your air conditioner? If so, you're probably wondering, "Can a power outage damage an AC unit?" The answer is yes, but keep reading to discover how to protect your air conditioner.

As the best AC repair experts in Teaneck, NJ, Gladiator Services keeps your air conditioner in working order and fixes any damage caused by a power outage. With a wealth of experience and expertise, along with amazing customer service, we keep northeastern New Jersey cool and comfortable.

Potential Problems From a Power Outage

While a power outage is less severe than a power surge, it can still damage your air conditioning unit. It can also leave you and your home suffering the long-term consequences of unregulated temperature and humidity. The following damages are the most common.

Compressor Failure

When the power returns after the outage, the resulting fluctuations in voltage can damage your compressor. The compressor is an essential component without which your air conditioner can't cool the air. If the damage isn't severe, the HVAC technician can repair a compressor; otherwise, it requires replacing the entire AC unit.

Programming Problems

Modern air conditioners perform much like a computer, and the surge of power after an outage can cause it to reset. Your air conditioner's manual shows how to reprogram the AC unit. However, an HVAC specialist can reprogram it hassle-free and save you the time you'd otherwise spend on it.

Cooling Stage Malfunction

An air conditioner cools in three stages, and an outage can cause problems anywhere along the process. Fortunately, if this is the issue, the AC unit usually fixes itself within 24 hours as it warms up.

Motor Failure

An air conditioner uses multiple motors to power various components, such as the blower motor and variable speed mower. If any of these pieces fail, the AC unit can't blow air throughout its components or into the air ducts.

Tripped Circuit

When a power outage trips a circuit, it means it protected the air conditioner to help prevent damage from surging power. Fortunately, a tripped circuit is an easy fix you can do yourself. 

Locate the affected circuit in your electrical panel and flip it back on. If the air conditioner works, you don't need to worry about more severe damage.

Decreased Comfort

During the outage, you risk the following challenges resulting from a lack of air conditioning:

• Warmer air: During the outage, your home's temperature rises, and you'll experience discomfort until you can get your AC unit working again.
• Increased humidity: Without your air conditioner running, you won't gain the humidity-lowering benefits of the appliance. 
• Health and safety concerns: With higher heat and humidity within your home, you risk a variety of health risks. Without staying cool, you could experience heat exhaustion. The humidity also aggravates your allergies and respiratory issues if it causes mold growth.
• Property damage: If moisture accumulates during the outage, the resulting mold can damage your walls and floors. The humidity might also warp your furniture or other belongings. While damage is unlikely during short or individual outages, if your home suffers them frequently or the power is out for days, keep an eye on potential damages.

Restarting Your Air Conditioner

Can a power outage damage an AC unit? Yes, and if it doesn't turn back on after the power returns, restart the air conditioner.

To successfully restart it, unplug it for about five minutes and shut it off at the circuit breaker. Attempt restoring power by plugging everything back in and flipping the switch. 

If your AC unit suffered little to no damage, restarting it often fixes any issues. If that doesn't work, you have damage that a technician must address.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner

To avoid replacing your air conditioner protect it before, during, and after the outage.

Before the Outage

You can protect your air conditioner by using the following practices:

• Purchase surge protection: You can install either a whole-home surge protector or a more affordable option just for your air conditioner. The surge protectors present in common home power strips aren't adequate to prevent the type of damage your air conditioner can suffer. You may balk at the cost of a special surge protector, but it can save you money long-term when you compare it to the price of repairs or a new air conditioner.
• Turn it off: The best way to protect your air conditioner is by turning it off in a storm or at other times vulnerable to power outages. If the unit was running during the outage, unplug it to avoid damage when the power returns.
• Regular maintenance: Scheduling regular maintenance keeps your air conditioner resilient against damage after an outage. The best time to schedule maintenance is in the spring before its period of most intense usage. Many homeowners also schedule a second maintenance during the fall to ensure the heavy summer usage doesn't put too much stress on the AC unit.
• Maintain your electrical system: An old electrical system is prone to power surges, which can lead to outages and damaged appliances. Keep your wires and electrical panel up to date.

After the Outage

When you lose power, carefully turn the air conditioner back on. The following steps can help prevent further damage to the AC unit:

• If it was on when you lost power, leave it off for a while after the power returns. Shut off the entire HVAC system on the circuit breaker.
• Call an HVAC technician to ensure the outage didn't damage your air conditioner.

Contact Gladiator Services for All Your Air Conditioning Needs

Now you know the answer to, "Can a power outage damage an AC unit?" With regular maintenance and expert repairs, Gladiator Services keeps your home cool so you can endure the New Jersey summer in comfort and safety.

If you need to reset your air conditioner or request other services, Gladiator Services can help. Call 201-419-6090 to book an appointment today.