Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it’s certainly not 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 surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Is a Power Surge
A power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage that travels 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 surges happen 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 HVAC systems can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to 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 Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Modern heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing 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. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use 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. Installing whole-home surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Lincoln 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.Power surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVAC system capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Heat pumpelectronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges.
Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or Power Strips?
Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. For 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. 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 an effective way to protect your HVAC investment while also helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Fewer repair costs. Preventing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer HVAC equipmentlife. vulnerable technological components experience reduced electrical stress over time when protected correctly.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Less stress during storms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe storms strike your area.
- Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Lincoln, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Repeated outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home devices. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important
Whole-home surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at AW Heating & Air Conditioning helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at AW Heating & Air Conditioning understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your AC, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection
Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC system. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent costly 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-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a customized solution 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 402-438-7992 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
Absolutely. Whole-home surge protection is typically a worthwhile investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. 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?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. AC surge protection 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?
Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. Power surges may also stem from problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
How long does whole-home surge protection last?
A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 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.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover damage caused by power surges?
It can. Homeowners insurance may cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, 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?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It also helps improve system performance and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.
