Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility switching, power outages/restoration and even large appliances cycling on and off can all create power surges inside your home.
These surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A home power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage electronic components.
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. Large appliances like refrigerators or AC units 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.
Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever
Many of today’s 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 at-risk HVAC components to power surges include:
- Circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal 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 communicate with your HVAC equipment.
- Communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation.
- Inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair or replace. Installing electrical surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Des Moines include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- Compressors. This component 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.
- Capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components which are 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. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection
Using whole-home surge protection is a smart way to protect your HVAC investment while helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Lower repair expenses. Preventing surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience less electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Less stress during storms. You’ll have added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the strong summer storms in Des Moines, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Outdated home wiring. 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 more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Whole-home surge protection must be installed correctly to provide reliable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Web Connect Child helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Web Connect Child understand the specialized 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 Before the Next Power Surge
Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Adding 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 considering 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 review your home’s needs and help you choose a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Find out how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 123-456-7890 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 typically a worthwhile investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged furnace or air conditioner components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a sudden power spike damage an an air conditioning system?
Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause major repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of power surges throughout 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 that 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.
Does homeowners insurance cover power surge repairs?
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 protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.
Does surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It can also improve system performance and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.
