Many homeowners think power surges only happen during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility switching, power outages/restoration and even large appliances cycling on and off can all create power surges 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. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

A home power surge is a short spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics. 

Lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges. 

Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever 

Modern heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair or replace. Installing electrical surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents. 

HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Loganville include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • HVAC compressors. This component is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVACcapacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips 

Many homeowners use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your heating and cooling system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and lasting value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

Installing whole-home surge protection is a smart way to protect your HVAC investment while also working to safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home. 

Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Reduced repaircosts. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. 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 shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Loganville, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Frequent outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Connected home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Whole-house surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Tony Beck Heating & Cooling helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Tony Beck Heating & Cooling understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges 

Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your heating and cooling system. Adding whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent expensive 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 variety of surge protection options, including whole-house surge protectors. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and recommend 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 protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 770-466-2924 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Yes. Installing whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, 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.

Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in major repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components.

The most common sources of power surges include lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

Most whole-home surge protectors last 5 to 10 years, although that depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in homes that experience many severe storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner.

It depends. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. Surge protection may also improve system performance and reduce the risk of costly repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.