Homeowners often think power surges occur only during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it’s certainly not 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 electric voltage spikes don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs.
What Is a Power Surge
A power surge in your home is a brief spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment.
Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Electric utility providers routinely switch power on the electrical grid, and electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges.
Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, limiting their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection
Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can 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 minimal voltage spikes.
- Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These advanced 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.
- HVAC system communication controls. 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 rely on 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 repair. Installing whole-home surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Wilkes Barre and Scranton include:
- Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main.
- Airconditioner 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 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.
- Electronic heat pump components. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges.
Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips
Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and lasting 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 house, including your HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection
Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective way to protect your HVAC investment while also helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Reduced repaircosts. Preventing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Electronic HVAC components experience less electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- 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. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe storms strike your area.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the powerful summer storms in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can add to 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 technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important
Whole-home surge protection must be professionally installed to provide reliable protection. Hiring 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 experienced professionals at GLR Mechanical 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 Before the Next Power Surge
Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling system. Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent expensive 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 comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and recommend 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 safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 570-569-1873 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
Absolutely. 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 heating and cooling components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a sudden power spike damage an AC unit?
Yes. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.
What causes 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. Repeated minor power 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 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 damage?
It depends. 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.
Can surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It can also improve system reliability and reduce the risk of costly repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.