Many homeowners think power surges only happen during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility switching, power outages/restoration and even large appliances cycling on and off can all create power surges inside your home.
These electric voltage spikes don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A home power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics.
Lightning is 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 small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause 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 Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
Some of the most at-risk HVAC components to power surges include:
- Electronic circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes.
- Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment.
- Communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation.
- Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix. Installing whole-house surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after power surge incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Moline include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- Compressors. The compressor is one of the costliest 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.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges.
Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or Power Strips?
Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC system.
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-house HVAC surge protection include:
- Reduced repaircosts. Preventing surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Electronic HVAC components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe storms strike your area.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Moline, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect.
Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference
Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at J.L. Brady Company LLC helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system.
The highly trained professionals at J.L. Brady Company LLC understand the specialized 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 Before the Next Power Surge
Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big 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 considering AC or furnace surge protection, you can count on the team at . Our HVAC services include a variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and help you choose a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Find out how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 309-865-5564 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
Absolutely. Installing whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. 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 an air conditioning system?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to major repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.
What causes power surges in 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. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
How long does whole-home surge protection last?
Most whole-home surge protectors last 5 to 10 years, although its lifespan depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in homes that experience many severe 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 cost-effective way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Can a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. Surge protection may also improve system performance and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.
