Homeowners often think power surges occur only 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 power surges inside your home.
These surges don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They can 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 safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A home power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment.
Lightning is the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust 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 minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges.
While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, limiting 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. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they also make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include:
- Control boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment.
- Communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that benefit from 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 lower the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Brookfield include:
- Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main.
- HVAC compressors. This component is one of the costliest 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.
- HVACcapacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that can be 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 furnace or air conditioner. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Using whole-home surge protection is a smart way to protect your HVAC investment while also helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include:
- Fewer repair costs. Preventing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC components experience less electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. Surge protection provides added confidence when weather-related power outages occur.
- Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Brookfield, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Whole-house surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Central Air LLC helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Central Air LLC understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment Before the Next Power Surge
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 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 wide variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and suggest a setup to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home.
See how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 203-403-6174 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
In most cases, yes. Installing whole-home 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, 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, leading to expensive repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of power surges throughout a home?
Power surges are most commonly caused by 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. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector?
A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 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 require replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover power surge damage?
It can. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.
Can a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect 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 modern heating and cooling equipment.