Homeowners often think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it’s far from the only one. Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration 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 current heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Is a Power Surge
A power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage electronic components.
Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many surges happen much closer to home. Electric utility providers routinely switch power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create brief 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, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever
Modern heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they also make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
Some of the most at-risk HVAC components to power surges include:
- Electronic circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair or replace. Installing whole-home surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and costly 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.
- Airconditioner compressors. The compressor is one of the highest-priced 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.
- Capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend 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 heating and cooling system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and greater long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home 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-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Fewer repair costs. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Less stress during storms. You’ll have added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Auburn, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of power surges.
- Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home devices. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference
Whole-home surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Forster Heating helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Forster Heating understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment Before the Next Power Surge
Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC equipment. Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent costly 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-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and recommend a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home.
See how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 530-903-5878 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
In most cases, yes. Installing whole-home surge protection is typically a worthwhile 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, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can an electrical surge damage an AC unit?
It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to major repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of power surges throughout a home?
Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. 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 a whole-home surge protector last?
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 properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover power surge repairs?
It depends. 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 a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Can a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. Surge protection may also improve system performance and reduce the risk of costly repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.
