How do I protect my HVAC from lightning?

Limiting Your Exposure to Risk

Turn off your AC system. A severe strike does have the ability to fry electronics and appliances that aren’t turned on (because they are still plugged in to the grid), but turning things off will provide a bit of protection.
Turn off power at the breaker.
Whole-home surge protectors.

How do you know if your house has been struck by lightning?

Common signs that your home was struck include:

A power outage.
The presence of a fire or sparks.
The smell of melting plastic or smoke.
Physical damage to the structure of your property.
A humming or buzzing sound.

Is it safe to use AC during thunderstorm?

Thunder also brings the risk of lightning. Though it’s tempting to rely on your air conditioner, you shouldn’t run your unit during a thunderstorm. Not only does running your AC during a storm put your system at risk, but it can also put your safety at risk.

Where does lightning strike a house and start a fire?

Again, the most common place for lightning-caused fires in a home is in the attic, but they can start anywhere the lightning has traveled. Some fires inside the walls and attic may not be immediately apparent and not easily accessible.

What kind of damage did Lightning do to my furnace?

Lightning Damage to the AC Condenser and Furnace Lightning damaged the AC condenser, the furnace, a refrigerator, a TV and other appliances in this home. The only physical signs of lighting damage were to the AC condenser and the furnace.

What should you do if lightning strikes your house?

If your home is hit directly by lightning, your immediate concern should be for any fires that may have been ignited. Call the fire department! Again, the most common place for lightning-caused fires in a home is in the attic, but they can start anywhere the lightning has traveled.

How does a lightning rod work in a house?

Lightning rod systems are somewhat effective for direct hits, however in the large percentage of lightning damage cases, the surge of ultra high voltage enters the home via the grounding system of the house. Lightning strikes a tree, a transformer or the ground close to the house and energizes the entire ground and neutral system and conductors.

What happens when a lightning strike hits a house?

If lightning hits a non-conductive material, like a roof, it can spark a fire; even without a direct hit, a nearby lightning strike can reach a home’s wiring through the ground or wires coming into the house, overload the electrical system and ignite a smoldering burn.

Can a lightning strike damage an air conditioner?

Your air conditioner is only susceptible to power surges when the unit is operating. Of course a direct lightning strike can still turn your a/c into a pile of smoking scrap metal, but direct strikes are very rare.

Can a lightning strike cause a power surge?

Many customers want us to find conclusive proof that lightning caused the damage. Most insurance policies will cover the damage if a power surge can be proven. Sometimes the best evidence of a lightning strike is other damaged electronics. Stereos, TVs, and other electronics seem to be more sensitive…