Homeowners often think power surges occur only during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s far from the only one. Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create power surges inside your home.
These surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Fortunately, 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 sudden spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage electronic components.
Many people know 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 power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges.
Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, shortening 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 can also make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
Some of the most at-risk HVAC components to power surges include:
- Circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation.
- Variable-capacity inverter 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 more to repair. Installing electrical surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after power surge incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Harrisonville and Raymore include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- Compressors. This component is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home.
- Capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips
Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your HVAC system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is connected 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 heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Using whole-home surge protection is an effective way to protect your HVAC investment while helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Fewer repair costs. Reducing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when protected correctly.
- Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Regular summer storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Harrisonville and Raymore, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home devices. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert Surge Protection Installation Is Important
Whole-house surge protection must be professionally installed to provide reliable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Balance Point Heating & Cooling helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Balance Point Heating & Cooling understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your AC, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection
Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a major impact on your heating and cooling system. Investing in 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 a wide variety of surge protection options, including whole-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and help you choose a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we offer 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 816-265-0448 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
Absolutely. Whole-house surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, 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.
Can an electrical surge damage an AC unit?
It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in major repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.
What can cause 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.
What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector?
Most whole-home surge protectors last 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 power surge damage?
It can. Homeowners insurance may 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 protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.
Can a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It can also improve system reliability and reduce the risk of costly repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.