Many homeowners think power surges only happen 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 electrical surges inside your home. 

These electric voltage spikes don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s 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 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 may damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment. 

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Electric utility providers routinely switch power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, 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, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair or replace. Installing whole-house surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Plover include: 

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • Compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the highest-priced 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. 
  • Capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that are particularly 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 those devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and greater long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC system. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

Adding 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-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. 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 safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Plover, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Home HVAC surge protection must be professionally installed to provide dependable protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Point Heating & Cooling helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Point Heating & Cooling understand the specialized 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 Before the Next Power Surge 

Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent major 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 surge protection systems. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and suggest a customized solution 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 protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 715-814-9741 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Absolutely. 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 HVAC components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.

Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in major repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach 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. Power surges may also stem from problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

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 properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner.

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance sometimes 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 protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.

Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It also helps improve system reliability and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.