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 electric voltage spikes don’t just threaten televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A power surge in your home is a sudden spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics.
Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create brief 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 air conditioning systems over time, limiting their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Modern heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can 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:
- Control boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed blower motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment.
- HVAC system communication controls. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation.
- Inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection?
Damage from voltage spikes 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 electrical surge incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Columbus include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- Airconditioner compressors. This component is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVACcapacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips
Many homeowners use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your HVAC system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC system.
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-house HVAC surge protection include:
- Reduced repaircosts. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer HVAC equipmentlife. vulnerable technological components experience lower electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. You’ll have added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Columbus, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector 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.
Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important
Whole-home surge protection must be professionally installed to provide reliable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Classic Air helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Classic Air understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges
Electrical surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC equipment. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a smart way to help prevent major repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system.
If you’re interested in 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 protection. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and suggest a setup to protect your home HVAC. Along with 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 614-739-1627 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
In most cases, yes. Whole-home 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, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a sudden power spike damage an air conditioner?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’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 preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of power surges inside 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. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges 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 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 need replacement sooner.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover damage caused by power surges?
In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance sometimes 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 help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Does a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It can also improve system performance and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.