Many homeowners think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it’s certainly not the only one. Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create electrical surges inside your home.
These electrical surges don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They may 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 major repairs.
What Are Power Surges
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 still can damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment.
Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many surges happen 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 AC units 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.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they can 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 minimal voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed blower motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment.
- 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 benefit from surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix. Installing electrical surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after power surge incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Belton include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- HVAC compressors. This component is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVAC system capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Heat pumpelectronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges.
Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or Power Strips?
Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and greater long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is set up right 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 heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Installing 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:
- Lower repair expenses. Preventing 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-home surge protector also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. You’ll have added confidence when severe storms strike your area.
- Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage connected HVAC devices.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Regular summer storms. Given the strong summer storms in Belton, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home devices. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Myers Furnace Company helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Myers Furnace Company understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection
Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling system. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a smart way to help prevent expensive 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 variety of 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 offer all electrical services for the rest of your home.
See how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 816-370-5244 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
In most cases, yes. Installing whole-home surge protection is typically a worthwhile investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of 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 AC unit?
It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause major repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What can cause power surges in 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 typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 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 need replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover power surge repairs?
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 cost-effective way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Can whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It can also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.