Many homeowners think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely 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 electrical surges inside your home.
These electrical surges don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A power surge in your home is a sudden spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage home electronics.
Lightning is the most well-known cause, but many surges happen much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, reducing their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever
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 sensitive to voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include:
- Circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes.
- Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment.
- Communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation.
- Variable-capacity inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation 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-house surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after power surge incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Marshalltown include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- 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.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components which are 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 furnace or air conditioner. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and greater long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC equipment.
Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection
Adding whole-home surge protection is a proactive 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:
- Lower repair expenses. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Sensitive components experience less electrical stress over time when protected correctly.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Less stress during storms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe storms strike your area.
- Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment.
5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Marshalltown, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- High-efficiency HVAC 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 technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert Surge Protection Installation Matters
Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Kapaun & Brown helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Kapaun & Brown understand the specific 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 Before the Next Power Surge
Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling 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 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 suggest a setup 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 protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 641-321-6747 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
In most cases, yes. Whole-home surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. 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 power surge damage an AC unit?
It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause expensive repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.
What causes 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. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
How long does whole-home surge protection last?
A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 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 damage caused by power surges?
It depends. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.
Can surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It also helps improve system longevity and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.