Homeowners often think power surges occur only during 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 damage 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 protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it 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. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, 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 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 advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include:
- Circuit boards. They serve 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 vulnerable to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment.
- Communication systems. Modern heating and cooling 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 are better protected with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even more to repair or replace. Installing electrical surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Kearney include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- 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. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges.
Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips
Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and greater long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-house 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 the house, including your HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Using 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-house HVAC surge protection include:
- Lower repair expenses. Preventing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Sensitive components experience less electrical stress over time when protected correctly.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe storms strike your area.
- Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Regular summer storms. Given the strong summer storms in Kearney, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Frequent outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk.
- High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference
Whole-home surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning understand the specific 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 Before the Next Power Surge
Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Installing whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent major 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and help you choose 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 308-270-3765 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
Absolutely. 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, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can an electrical surge damage an air conditioner?
Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to 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 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 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 homes that experience many severe storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover damage caused by power surges?
It can. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Can whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It can also improve system performance and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.