When severe thunderstorms or tornadoes strike, the threat of power surges can put your home’s HVAC and plumbing systems at risk. Power surges are sudden spikes in voltage that can damage or destroy delicate electronic components in your appliances and equipment.
During storms, lightning strikes, downed power lines and utility switching can all cause dangerous power surges. Hill & Co is here to share how Oklahoma City homeowners can better prepare their homes for power surges and what to do if they occur!
Why Power Surges Are Harmful For HVAC & Plumbing
HVAC systems, water heaters and other plumbing appliances contain circuit boards, motors and electronic controls that are vulnerable to power surges. Even a minor surge can degrade these components, leading to premature failure or inefficient operation.
A major surge can instantly fry circuit boards, burning out compressors, motors and other costly parts.
Electrical Surges In Oklahoma City
OKC residents are at increased risk of damaging power surges due to the area’s propensity for severe thunderstorms and frequent tornado activity. Located in “Tornado Alley,” the OKC metro sees some of the highest concentrations of violent winds, lightning and storms capable of disrupting power infrastructure. Implementing comprehensive surge protection is crucial to safeguarding home systems.
The Importance Of Surge Protection
Proper surge protection safeguards your home systems against storm-related power surges. Whole-home surge protectors can be wired into your electrical panel to protect against surges entering through power lines. Homeowners should also use point-of-use surge protectors for individual appliances like air conditioners, furnaces and water heaters.
Signs Of Surge Damage On HVAC & Plumbing Systems
After a severe storm, it’s essential to watch for signs that your equipment may have been affected by a power surge:
- Appliances or electronics not powering on
- Strange burning smells
- Buzzing or humming noises from motors
- Flickering lights or dimming displays
If you suspect surge damage, do not attempt repairs yourself. Unplug the appliance and contact a professional HVAC or plumbing technician right away.
Regular Inspections And Maintenance
Beyond surge protection, regular professional inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensuring your home systems can withstand severe weather events. Technicians from Hill & Company can check for loose wiring connections and clear debris, test safety mechanisms like float switches and ensure proper system grounding — all of which can reduce surge risks.
Partner With Hill & Co — Even Against Lightning!
Taking proactive steps with surge protection and preventative maintenance can reduce the chances of costly damage to your HVAC, plumbing and other home systems when storms strike.
Contact the professionals at Hill & Company if you need a preventative checkup or suspect your HVAC or plumbing system has been affected.
