Homeowners often think power surges are limited to 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 electrical surges inside your home.
These electric voltage spikes don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated 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 sudden spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. While it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment.
Lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection
Today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they also make equipment more vulnerable to damage from 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 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. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation.
- Inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk?
Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even more to repair or replace. Installing electrical surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Port Orchard 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 highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home.
- Capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges.
Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or 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 lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Adding 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:
- Lower repair expenses. Preventing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Sensitive components experience less electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Less stress during storms. Surge protection provides added confidence when weather-related power outages occur.
- Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices.
5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Port Orchard, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Repeated outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home devices. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert 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 Air Masters Heating & Cooling helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Air Masters Heating & Cooling understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose 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 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 considering AC or furnace surge protection, you can count on the team at . Our HVAC services include a variety of surge protection options, including whole-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and suggest a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Learn how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 360-233-2573 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
Yes. Installing whole-home surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged HVAC components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a power surge damage an air conditioner?
It can. 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 preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What can cause power surges inside 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. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
How long does a whole-home surge protector last?
A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although actual service life 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 homeowners’ insurance cover power surge damage?
It depends. Homeowners insurance can 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 protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.
Does surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It can also improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.