Electrical Surges and Smart Thermostats: What You Need To Know
If you have a smart thermostat, You may also have other expensive smart devices. A programmable thermostat, like other devices, uses power. Before enjoying the benefits of automation, you need to protect them from surges. The advice by any HVAC professional is that it is necessary to install surge protection.
Why Is Surge Protection Necessary?
Surge protectors keep smart thermostats safe if there is an electrical surge. It is better to protect devices as surges can have many triggers. These include some of the following things.
- Lighting
- Downed lines
- Spikes and drops from power demand by neighbors
- Fluctuations caused by a switch on and off by our devices
Power surges affect even the HVAC system. They destroy smart thermostats and other appliances in the HVAC system. Surge protection is a wise investment. Modern electronic devices are susceptible to the smallest of spikes. Remember that an average home can experience up to 20 fluctuations a day.
What Are Suitable Types Of Surge Protection?
Surge Protected Power Strip
This type protects appliances like a smart thermostat when you plug them into the strip. When a power fluctuation hits, your devices are not at risk of damage. Buying enough strips to fit all devices is important. Be careful when buying surge protected power strips. Not all power strips offer surge protection. Find UL-listed protectors. Follow the manufacturer instructions and replace them on time. Make sure to replace them with ones that offer surge protection or suppression. Many have a similar design, but they only add outlets without protection. Know that strips do not last forever. Know the replacement date and replace before then. You don’t want to deal with smart thermostat repairs because of inefficiency.
Whole House Surge Protection
A whole-home surge protector provides the best protection for all devices in a house. This includes your smart thermostat. They are best for areas where power surges or lightning strikes are frequent. Whole house protection devices should be on the electric panel. It is best if it is between a power meter and breaker box. A whole house surge protector functions like a pressure relief valve. It blocks or diverts extra current to the ground. This helps to protect all appliances, including a smart thermostat.
Can Homeowners Install A Surge Protector?
We all can install surge protected power strips. Installing a whole-house surge protector requires a professional electrician. A professional electrician ensures proper grounding of a home. Your surge protection system will not protect your smart thermostat if this is not done. The installation needs a professional because of the electrical dangers. Keep in mind that a skilled electrician takes about 2 hours to finish the job. The protection offered during a single power surge is enough to pay back for the investment. COnsider how expensive it would be to buy a new smart thermostat and other devices.
Call Us Today
Protect your smart thermostat and other home devices from power fluctuations. Call us today! Our HVAC professional can help with electrical systems installation, repair, and service. Our team works round the clock for you.
