Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s certainly not the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create voltage spikes inside your home. 

These surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s 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 brief spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment. 

Many people know 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 power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

Although one major power 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 Require Better Surge Protection 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most at-risk HVAC components to power surges include: 

  • 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. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges? 

Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even more to fix. Installing whole-home surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Lincoln 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.Power surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing 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 which are 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 power strips don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and greater long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-home 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 the house, including your HVAC system. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

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

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Avoiding surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. vulnerable technological components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Lincoln, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Whole-home surge protection must be professionally installed to provide reliable protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at AW Heating & Air Conditioning helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at AW Heating & Air Conditioning understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC system. Investing in whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent costly 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a customized solution 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 safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 402-438-7992 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Yes. Whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged heating and cooling components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.

It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to major repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.

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. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

Most whole-home surge protectors last 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 need replacement sooner.

It depends. 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 cost-effective way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield 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.