Many homeowners think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s far from the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create voltage spikes inside your home.
These electrical surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A power surge in your home is a short spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage home electronics.
Lightning remains 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 air conditioners can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, reducing their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection
Modern heating and cooling systems use sophisticated 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.
HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include:
- Control boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed blower motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation.
- Variable-capacity 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 thousands to fix. Installing whole-home 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 Jefferson City include:
- Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main.
- Airconditioner compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVACcapacitors. 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 pumpelectronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips
Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC equipment.
Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection
Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective 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. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Electronic HVAC components experience less electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Protection of homeelectronics. 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 weather-related power outages occur.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Jefferson City, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk.
- High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference
Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Stieferman Heating Company Inc helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Stieferman Heating Company Inc understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment Before the Next Power Surge
Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your heating and cooling system. Installing 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and recommend a setup to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Learn how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 573-635-3547 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
In most cases, yes. Whole-house 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 HVAC components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a sudden power spike damage an air conditioner?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to costly repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of power surges throughout a home?
Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Even small, repeated 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 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.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover power surge damage?
In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.
Will 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. Surge protection may also improve system performance and reduce the risk of costly repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.