Many homeowners think power surges only happen during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s far from 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 modern heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Is a Power Surge
A power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage electronic components.
Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges.
Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems 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 also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include:
- Control boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain 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 are better protected with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection?
Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even more to fix. Installing whole-home surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after power surge incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Plover include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- Airconditioner compressors. The compressor is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVACcapacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. 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 power strips 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 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-House Surge Protection
Using whole-home surge protection is a smart way to protect your HVAC investment while also helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include:
- Fewer repair costs. Reducing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Sensitive components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Home electronics protection. 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 your HVAC system.
5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Plover, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of power surge damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect.
Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference
Whole-house surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Point Heating & Cooling helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Point Heating & Cooling understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify 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 dramatic, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC system. Adding 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 interested in 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 protection. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and help you choose a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Find out 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
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
Absolutely. Whole-home surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged HVAC components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a sudden power spike damage an AC unit?
Yes. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause costly repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What can cause power surges in 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. They can also result from problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector?
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 a home that has frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover power surge damage?
It can. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Will a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It can also improve system performance and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.