Your HVAC system works tirelessly to keep your home comfortable year-round, but did you know that the right accessories can make it work even better? While a quality heating and cooling system forms the foundation of home comfort, strategic add-ons can boost efficiency, prevent costly repairs, and extend your equipment’s lifespan.
Many homeowners focus solely on their main HVAC units, overlooking the accessories that could save them hundreds—or even thousands—in repair costs and energy bills. These four essential accessories address the most common HVAC problems before they become expensive headaches.
From protecting against water damage to preventing biological growth, each accessory serves a specific purpose in maintaining optimal system performance. Let’s explore how these upgrades can transform your HVAC system from good to exceptional.
Drain Line Float Switches: Your First Line of Defense Against Water Damage
Water damage from HVAC systems ranks among the most costly home repairs, yet it’s entirely preventable with proper protection. Drain line float switches serve as your early warning system, automatically shutting off your equipment when water levels rise unexpectedly.
While building codes typically require one float switch, HVAC professionals recommend a multi-layered approach for maximum protection. Depending on your air handler’s orientation, you may benefit from up to three strategically placed switches:
Primary drain pan switch monitors the main collection area where condensate naturally accumulates. This switch activates when water reaches unsafe levels in the primary pan.
In-line drain switch detects blockages within the drain line itself, catching problems before water backs up into your home.
Auxiliary drain pan switch provides backup protection for secondary drain pans, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout your system.
Regular replacement every five years keeps these critical safety devices functioning reliably. While this might seem like an unnecessary expense, consider that a single water damage event can cost thousands in repairs, making float switch maintenance an excellent investment in your home’s protection.
Here is the switches we recommend:
In line drain switch: https://geni.us/bkqFqKo
Auxiliary drain pan switch: https://amzn.to/3I2u4Kw
Surge Protection: Safeguarding Expensive Electronics
Modern HVAC systems contain sophisticated electronic components that make them more efficient than ever before. However, these same electronics that boost your system’s SEER2 rating also make it vulnerable to power fluctuations and electrical surges.
Split systems—with condensers outside and air handlers inside—face particular risk from power irregularities. Lightning strikes, utility grid fluctuations, and even large appliances cycling on and off can send damaging voltage spikes through your electrical system.
While whole-home surge protectors offer broad protection, point-of-contact surge protection delivers the most effective defense for your HVAC investment. These specialized devices install directly at your equipment, providing immediate response to electrical threats.
The cost of surge protection pales in comparison to replacing damaged control boards, variable-speed motors, or other sensitive components. With HVAC electronics becoming increasingly sophisticated and expensive, surge protection has evolved from optional upgrade to essential safeguard.
This is by far my favorite surge protector. DIY installation in less than 30 minutes, and it has a green LED light to let you know its actively protecting your hvac system. If you don’t see the green LED, its time to replace and it could very well have saved you THOUSANDS in repairs. https://geni.us/7LJy
UV Light Systems: Eliminating Biological Growth
Your air handler creates the perfect environment for unwanted biological growth. The combination of darkness, moisture from the evaporator coil, and organic particles creates ideal conditions for mold, bacteria, and other microorganisms to flourish.
This growth doesn’t just affect air quality—it can accumulate on critical components like the blower wheel and evaporator coil, reducing efficiency and potentially causing system failures. The insulation inside your air handler cabinet can also harbor these contaminants.
UV light systems create an inhospitable environment for biological growth by disrupting cellular structures at the molecular level. However, UV light only works where it can shine directly, making placement crucial for effectiveness.
Dual-bulb systems provide optimal coverage by targeting two critical areas: the blower wheel, where air circulation can spread contaminants throughout your home, and the delta (triangular space) of the evaporator coil, where moisture accumulation is highest.
Professional installation ensures proper positioning and safety, as UV light requires careful handling and shielding to protect both equipment and occupants.
The REME HALO is the industry leader when it comes to UV air cleaning and protection. They are a little on the more expensive side, but are worth their weight in gold. Easy installation, and protection 24/7 : https://geni.us/eALS5k
Drain Guard: Preventing the #1 Service Call
Clogged drain lines represent the most common reason homeowners call for HVAC service, particularly during Florida’s humid summer months when air conditioners run constantly. As condensate flows through drain lines, algae naturally develops, gradually restricting flow until complete blockage occurs.
A blocked drain line can trigger your float switches, shutting down your system during the hottest days when you need cooling most. Without functioning float switches, clogged drains can cause serious water damage as condensate overflows into your home.
Drain Guard and similar treatment systems address this problem proactively by treating condensate water before it travels through your drain line. These inline devices reduce algae formation, keeping water flowing freely and your system running reliably.
The treatment works continuously as condensate passes through, requiring minimal maintenance while providing maximum protection against the most frequent HVAC service issue.
Drain Guard: https://geni.us/SPBqZ8
Maximizing Your HVAC Investment
These four accessories work together to create a more reliable, efficient HVAC system that serves your family better while protecting your home investment. Each addresses a specific vulnerability that could otherwise result in expensive repairs, system downtime, or property damage.
Your HVAC system represents a significant investment in your home’s comfort and value. These accessories help you get the most from that investment while avoiding the frustration and expense of preventable problems.
If you’d like to find other helpful tools for the job, make sure and check out our amazon store where you can find all my favorite DIY HVAC tools: https://geni.us/EothL