Why Every Chandler, AZ, Home Needs the Intermatic Compressor Defender

When the Arizona heat generates three-digit temperatures this summer, the last thing you need is a failed AC unit.

While most homeowners worry that refrigerant leaks or clogged filters will sideline their AC or heat pump, they overlook the silent threat that can fry their HVAC equipment in a millisecond: power fluctuations.

At Mason Pro Services, we’ve seen many expensive compressors and circuit boards destroyed by power surges. It’s why we recommend a high level of protection that goes far beyond the standard surge protector. 

The Intermatic Compressor Defender is a top choice for safeguarding your heating and cooling equipment, whether you live in Tucson, Phoenix, or surrounding communities.

Compressor Defender vs. Other Surge Protectors

A typical surge protector only detects high-voltage spikes. That’s important, but it leaves your HVAC unit vulnerable to two other major killers: brownouts and short-cycling.

Compressor Defender is an all-in-one protection device engineered explicitly for HVAC equipment. It monitors the power grid and safely shuts down your HVAC system if it detects voltage spikes, low voltage, or power interruptions.

It also includes a three-minute delay timer to prevent your compressor from restarting too quickly after a power fluctuation, a leading cause of motor burnout.

Power Surges vs. Brownouts

To get a real grasp of Compressor Defender’s value, take a moment to understand the two main ways electricity can attack your HVAC system.

• What is a Power Surge?

A power surge is a sudden, intense spike in electrical voltage. In Chandler, AZ, these often occur during the monsoon season. A lightning strike miles away can send a massive surge through power lines directly into your outdoor unit. High winds can also knock branches into lines, causing brief but sudden voltage spikes. With more than 2 million lightning strikes in Arizona last year, leaving your HVAC system unprotected may not be worth the risk.

• What is a Brownout?

A brownout is the opposite of a surge. It’s a sudden dip in voltage that can occur during the peak summer months in Pima and Maricopa counties when everyone turns their AC to the max.

When the voltage drops, your AC motor has to work much harder to maintain its speed. This causes the motor to overheat, degrading its internal components and eventually leading to compressor damage.

What Does the Compressor Defender Protect?

Modern high-efficiency systems are packed with sensitive electronics. The Compressor Defender protects the compressor, which is the most expensive part of your cooling system. It defends circuit boards, even in your gas furnace, and mechanical parts, such as motors and contactor coils.

An unprotected system may sustain damage to the point of needing replacement. Why risk costly repairs or replacement when the Compressor Defender can protect your system and ultimately your peace of mind?

Installing the Compressor Defender in Chandler, AZ

Because the Compressor Defender is designed specifically for HVAC systems, its installation falls within the expertise of HVAC technicians and licensed electricians. Either can install the device, which mounts directly to your outdoor AC disconnect or to the inside of the condensing unit.

Our Mason Pro Service technicians can easily install the Compressor Defender during an HVAC tune-up. Let us know if you want to include installation, which typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes, in your unit’s next maintenance visit.

The Compressor Defender features two LED indicators that let you know at a glance if the device is operating normally and protecting your HVAC system, if a surge has occurred, or the three-minute short-cycle protection timer is active. The green and red LED lights help you monitor the device’s performance. When neither light is active, the device is no longer providing protection.

Compressor Defender Maintenance

Even durable surge protectors eventually wear out and need to be replaced. A massive surge from lightning can instantly destroy the device, and minor surges can damage components over time. Extreme heat, dust, and loose wiring can stress a surge protector.

During spring AC maintenance, we can easily clean and inspect your Compressor Defender to ensure it is working and connections are secure.

Why Choose Mason Pro Services?

We pride ourselves on being the experts in home comfort and safety in the Greater Phoenix and Tucson areas. We help homeowners prevent problems before they happen. We will ensure your Compressor Defender is wired correctly to protect all parts of your HVAC system during power fluctuations.

Don’t wait until a lightning strike or a grid fluctuation leaves you sweltering in the desert heat. Investing in a Compressor Defender is the cheapest insurance policy you can buy for your home’s most important appliance.

Protect Your HVAC Unit Today!

Safeguard your HVAC investment in Chandler, AZ with power surge and brownout protection. Whether you add the Compressor Defender during your system’s next tune-up or need an emergency installation before the next storm rolls in, the team at Mason Pro Services is ready to help.

Call us at 602-680-5086 or request service online.