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 electrical surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because current 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 major repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

A power surge in your home is a brief spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage electronic components. 

Lightning is the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin 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. Household appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges. 

While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, limiting their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they also make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most vulnerable components 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 motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges? 

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

HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Thedford include: 

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the highest-priced 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. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips 

Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and long-term 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, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

Using whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to protect your HVAC investment while also helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home. 

Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Preventing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Sensitive components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • 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 weather strikes. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Thedford, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide reliable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning understand the specialized 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 from Future Power Surges 

Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC system. Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective 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 comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will evaluate 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. 

See how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 519-296-4437 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system? 

Absolutely. Installing whole-home surge protection is typically a worthwhile investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, 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 power surge damage an an air conditioning system? 

Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in major repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components. 

What causes power surges in 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 a whole-home surge protector last? 

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 5 to 10 years, although that 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 damage caused by power surges? 

It depends. Homeowners insurance may cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs. 

Can 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. It also helps improve system performance and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.