Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility switching, power outages/restoration and even large appliances cycling on and off can all create voltage spikes inside your home.
These electric voltage spikes don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs.
What Is a Power Surge
A power surge in your home is a short spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics.
Lightning is the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Electric utility providers routinely switch power on the electrical grid, and electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever
Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
Some of the most at-risk HVAC components to power surges include:
- Electronic circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation.
- Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges?
Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair or replace. Installing whole-house surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected 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 most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVAC system capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges.
Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or Power Strips?
Homeowners commonly 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-house surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Installing whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to protect your HVAC investment while also helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Reduced repaircosts. Avoiding 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, whole-home surge protection also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Less stress during storms. You’ll have added confidence when severe storms strike your area.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the powerful summer storms in Loganville, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of power surge damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Protecting 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 connected thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Whole-house surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Hiring 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 help protect your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Tony Beck Heating & Cooling 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 from Future Power Surges
Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC equipment. Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent major repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system.
If you’re interested in 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. Beyond surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Learn 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
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
In most cases, yes. Whole-house surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged furnace or air conditioner components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a sudden power spike damage an AC unit?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to major repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of power surges in a home?
The most common sources of power surges include lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. 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?
Most whole-home surge protectors last 5 to 10 years, although its lifespan 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 need replacement sooner.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover power surge damage?
It can. 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 a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.
Can a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. Surge protection may also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.
