Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s certainly not the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create voltage spikes inside your home.
These electrical surges don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A power surge in your home is a brief spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage home electronics.
Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Electric utility providers routinely switch power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges.
Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Today’s heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include:
- Control boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes.
- Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment.
- Communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges?
Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to fix. Installing whole-home surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Jefferson include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- Airconditioner compressors. The compressor is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVAC system capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips
Many homeowners use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection
Using whole-home surge protection is a smart way to protect your HVAC investment while helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include:
- Lower repair expenses. Preventing surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. Sensitive components experience lower electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Less stress during storms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the powerful summer storms in Jefferson, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges.
- Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference
Whole-house surge protection must be professionally installed to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Pratt Brothers helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The highly trained professionals at Pratt Brothers understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your AC, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection
Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a big impact on your heating and cooling system. Installing whole-home surge protection is a smart way to help prevent costly repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system.
If you’re considering AC or furnace surge protection, you can count on the team at . Our HVAC services include a wide variety of surge protection options, including whole-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and suggest a setup to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
See how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 920-545-1910 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
Yes. Installing whole-home surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged HVAC components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a power surge damage an air conditioner?
Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to costly repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What causes power surges throughout a home?
Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. Power surges may also stem from problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
How long does a whole-home surge protector last?
A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although actual service life depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover power surge repairs?
It depends. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Will surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It also helps improve system longevity and reduce the risk of costly repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.