Many homeowners think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one. Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create voltage spikes inside your home.
These electric voltage spikes don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A power surge in your home is a brief spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage electronic components.
Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many surges happen much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust 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 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 advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include:
- Control boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes.
- Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to fix. Installing whole-home surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Justin include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- Airconditioner compressors. The compressor is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVACcapacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that are particularly 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 those devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and greater 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 house, including your HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection
Adding whole-home surge protection is a smart 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:
- Fewer repair costs. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience reduced electrical stress over time when protected correctly.
- Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Justin, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of surge-related damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Frequent outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference
Whole-house surge protection must be professionally installed to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Pepper AC & Heat helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Pepper AC & Heat understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges
Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a big impact on your heating and cooling system. Installing whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent major 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 assess your home’s needs and help you choose a setup to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Learn how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 940-305-6803 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
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 HVAC components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a sudden power spike damage an air conditioner?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of power surges throughout 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. They can also result from problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
How long does whole-home surge protection last?
Most whole-home surge protectors last 5 to 10 years, although its lifespan 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 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. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.
Will whole-home 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 longevity and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.
