Homeowners often think power surges occur only during 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 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 highly sensitive electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help protect 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 sudden spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage home electronics. 

Lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust 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. 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 HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Modern heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed blower motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Installing electrical surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Wilkes Barre and Scranton include: 

  • Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary. 
  • HVAC compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. 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? 

Homeowners commonly 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 greater 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 the house, including your heating and cooling equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

Adding 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-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Reducing surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC 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 safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the strong summer storms in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Repeated outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. 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. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide dependable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at GLR Mechanical helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at GLR Mechanical understand the specific 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 Before the Next Power Surge 

Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC system. Installing 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 interested in 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 assess your home’s needs and suggest a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Learn how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 570-569-1873 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Absolutely. 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, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.

Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in major repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.

Power surges are most commonly caused by lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Power surges may also stem from problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

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 properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner.

It can. Homeowners insurance may 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 help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.

Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It can also improve system performance and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.