Homeowners often think power surges occur only during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s certainly not the only one. Utility switching, power outages/restoration and even large appliances cycling on and off can all create voltage spikes inside your home.
These electric voltage spikes don’t just damage televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs.
What Is a Power Surge
A power surge in your home is a short spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage electronic components.
Lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur 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. Major appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges.
Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include:
- Electronic 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 sensitive 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 energy-efficient operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk?
Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to fix. Installing whole-home surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Toledo include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- Compressors. The compressor is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVAC system capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. 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?
Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and greater long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-house 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 HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection
Installing whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to protect your HVAC investment while also helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include:
- Lower repair expenses. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Sensitive components experience reduced electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe storms strike your area.
- Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices.
5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection
- Regular summer storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Toledo, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Northwest Services helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The highly trained professionals at Northwest Services understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your AC, 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 major impact on your HVAC equipment. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent major repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system.
If you’re ready to learn more about 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 help you choose a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Find out how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 419-574-6033 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
In most cases, yes. Installing whole-home surge protection is often a smart 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, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a power surge damage an an air conditioning system?
It can. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause costly 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 inside 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. They can also result from problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges 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 actual service life 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 homeowners’ insurance cover power surge repairs?
It can. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.
Can surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It also helps improve system longevity and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.