Many homeowners think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one. Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create voltage spikes inside your home.
These surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A power surge in your home is a short spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment.
Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many surges happen 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. Household 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.
While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever
Today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced 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 at-risk HVAC components to power surges include:
- Circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed blower motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment.
- HVAC system communication controls. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges?
Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair or replace. Installing whole-house surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in East Bernard include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- Compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home.
- Capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges.
Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips
Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection
Using whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to protect your HVAC investment while also working to safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Reduced repaircosts. Preventing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Sensitive components experience reduced electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in East Bernard, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of surge-related damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Home HVAC surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at E.B. Air helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at E.B. Air understand the unique 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 Before the Next Power Surge
Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC system. Adding whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent costly repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system.
If you’re ready to learn more about AC or furnace surge protection, you can count on the team at . Our HVAC services include comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and recommend a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Find out how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 979-335-4262 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
Absolutely. Whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged furnace or air conditioner components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a power surge damage an air conditioner?
It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause major repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components.
What can cause power surges throughout a home?
Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. They can also result from problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
How long does whole-home surge protection last?
A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 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 require replacement sooner.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover power surge repairs?
It can. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.
Does whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It can also improve system reliability and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.