Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely 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 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 advanced electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Is a Power Surge
A home power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage home electronics.
Lightning is the most well-known cause, but many surges happen much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, reducing their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Many of 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 at risk of damage from voltage spikes, highlighting 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 brief or small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed blower motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment.
- Communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk?
Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix. Installing electrical surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Hodgenville include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- HVAC compressors. The compressor is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home.
- Capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges.
Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips
Many homeowners use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and greater long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect 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
Installing 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-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Fewer repair costs. Reducing surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. Sensitive components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Hodgenville, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home devices. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important
Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide reliable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges
Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC system. Adding 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 ready to learn more about 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a setup to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home.
See how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 270-358-3167 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
In most cases, yes. Whole-house 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 HVAC components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can an electrical surge damage an air conditioner?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to costly repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.
What causes power surges inside 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 typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although that depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in a home that has frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage caused by power surges?
In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance may cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.
Does a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. Surge protection may also improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.
