Many homeowners think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely 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 current heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs.
What Are Power Surges
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 may 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 electrical surges also can happen 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. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges.
While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, limiting their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection
Modern heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include:
- Circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes.
- Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment.
- HVAC system communication controls. Many newer heating and air conditioning 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 Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges?
Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair. Installing whole-home surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after power surge incidents.
HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Manor and Austin include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- Compressors. This component 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.
- HVAC system capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges.
Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips
Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection
Adding whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to protect your HVAC investment while helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include:
- Fewer repair costs. Preventing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. vulnerable technological components experience less electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Less stress during storms. Surge protection provides added confidence when weather-related power outages occur.
- Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Manor and Austin, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of surge-related damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert Surge Protection Installation Matters
Whole-home surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Country Thyme AC & Home Services helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Country Thyme AC & Home Services understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, 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 significant impact on your HVAC equipment. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a smart 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 a variety of surge protection options, including whole-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and suggest a customized solution 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 512-817-2938 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
Yes. Whole-house surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged HVAC 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 expensive repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by shielding the 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. 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 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 need replacement sooner.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage caused by power surges?
It can. Homeowners insurance can 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 cost-effective way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Will surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It can also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.