Homeowners often think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although lightning is 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 voltage spikes inside your home.
These surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. The good news is 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 is a brief spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment.
Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch 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. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever
Today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they can 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:
- Electronic circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible 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.
- Variable-capacity inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that work best 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 whole-home surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Bryan include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- Compressors. The compressor 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. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges.
Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or Power Strips?
Many homeowners 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 lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your HVAC equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Using 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-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Lower repair expenses. Preventing surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. vulnerable technological components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. You’ll have added confidence when weather-related power outages occur.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Bryan, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert Surge Protection Installation Matters
Whole-home surge protection must be properly installed to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Superior Air Repair helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Superior Air Repair understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection
Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC equipment. Installing whole-home surge protection is a smart way to help prevent costly repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system.
If you’re ready to learn more about AC or furnace surge protection, you can count on the team at . Our HVAC services include a variety of surge protection options, including whole-house surge protectors. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and recommend a setup to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
See how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 979-200-6326 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
In most cases, yes. Installing whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of 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 sudden power spike damage an AC unit?
Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to costly repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What causes power surges throughout a home?
Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. 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 properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover damage caused by power surges?
It depends. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.
Can whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. Surge protection may also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.
