Many homeowners think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create electrical surges inside your home. 

These electric voltage spikes don’t just damage televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A home power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment. 

Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Modern heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Control boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses 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 reliable operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Installing electrical surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after power surge incidents. 

HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Auburn include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • HVAC compressors. The compressor is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after multiple 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 those devices don’t protect your heating and cooling 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, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your heating and cooling equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-House 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: 

  • Reduced repaircosts. Preventing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also helps protect 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. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the powerful summer storms in Auburn, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Connected home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Forster Heating helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Forster Heating understand the specialized 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 obvious, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC system. Installing whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent expensive 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 evaluate your home’s needs and help you choose a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Beyond 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 530-903-5878 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Yes. Whole-house surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of 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.

Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause expensive repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.

Power surges are most commonly caused by 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. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 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.

It depends. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. Surge protection may also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.