Homeowners often think power surges occur only during lightning storms. Although lightning is 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 electrical surges inside your home.
These surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on advanced 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 may damage home electronics.
Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin 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. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems 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, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, reducing their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
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 vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
HVAC parts that are especially sensitive 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 susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment.
- HVAC system communication controls. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges?
Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even more to repair. Installing whole-home surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Sandpoint include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- HVAC compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVAC system capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips
Many people 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 broader coverage and lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection
Using whole-home surge protection is a smart way to protect your HVAC investment while also working to safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Lower repair expenses. Preventing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. vulnerable technological components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe storms strike your area.
- Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Sandpoint, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of surge-related damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Age Heating & Cooling helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Age Heating & Cooling 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 from Future Power Surges
Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC system. Adding whole-home surge protection is a smart 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and suggest a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home.
See how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 208-603-2210 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
In most cases, yes. 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 HVAC components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can an electrical surge damage an air conditioner?
It can. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to costly repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.
What can cause power surges inside a home?
Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. They can also result from 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 typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 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 a homeowners insurance policy cover power surge repairs?
In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.
Does surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It can also improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of costly repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.
