Many homeowners 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 electrical surges inside your home.
These electric voltage spikes don’t just damage televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Is a Power Surge
A power surge is a short spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment.
Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many surges happen 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 minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges.
Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor 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
Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
Some of the most at-risk HVAC components to power surges include:
- Electronic circuit boards. They serve 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. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. 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 work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges?
Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair. Installing electrical surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after power surge incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Skokie include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- Airconditioner 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 used to move conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVACcapacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. Modern heat pumps use 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 furnace or air conditioner. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection
Installing 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-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Reduced repaircosts. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. vulnerable technological components experience lower electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the powerful summer storms in Skokie, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect.
Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference
Whole-home surge protection must be professionally installed to provide reliable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Topline HVAC helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Topline HVAC understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection
Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Adding 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 considering 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 evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a setup to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Learn how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 866-560-8214 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
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 heating and cooling components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can an electrical surge damage an an air conditioning system?
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 shielding the sensitive HVAC components.
What causes power surges throughout a home?
Power surges are most commonly caused by lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Power surges may also stem from 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 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 power surge damage?
It can. Homeowners insurance can 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 avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.
Does whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It can also improve system reliability and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.
