Many people think power surges occur only 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 voltage spikes inside your home.
These electrical surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage that travels through 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 many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Electric utility providers routinely switch power on the electrical grid, and power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, reducing their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced 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.
Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include:
- Circuit boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes.
- Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk?
Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even more to repair or replace. Installing whole-home surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Holdrege include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- Airconditioner compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home.
- Capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Heat pumpelectronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips
Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your HVAC system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is set up right 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 heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Using whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to protect your HVAC investment while also helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Fewer repair costs. Avoiding surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer HVAC equipmentlife. vulnerable technological components experience reduced electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment.
5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Holdrege, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home devices. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert Surge Protection Installation Is Important
Whole-house surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Durable Service helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Durable Service understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges
Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC equipment. Investing in 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 ready to learn more about AC or furnace surge protection, you can count on the team at . Our HVAC services include comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
See how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 308-995-8177 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
Absolutely. Whole-house 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 furnace or air conditioner components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can an electrical surge damage an AC unit?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause major repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of power surges in a home?
The most common sources of power surges include lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
How long does a whole-home surge protector last?
A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 5 to 10 years, although that 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 require replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover power surge repairs?
It depends. Homeowners insurance can 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.
Can a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect 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 your home’s heating and cooling equipment.
