Many people think power surges are limited to lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create voltage spikes inside your home.
These surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. The good news is 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 home power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics.
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 air conditioners can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges.
Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, limiting 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. While these 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 vulnerable components to power surges include:
- Control boards. They serve 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 vulnerable to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment.
- HVAC system communication controls. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even more to repair. Installing whole-home surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Streamwood include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- Compressors. The compressor is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVAC system capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Heat pumpelectronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips
Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Adding 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. Avoiding surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience less electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. You’ll have added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Streamwood, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can increase 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.
- Smart home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The highly trained professionals at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges
Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC equipment. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a smart 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 evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a setup 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 safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 630-948-4591 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
In most cases, yes. 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, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a power surge damage an AC unit?
It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause major repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of power surges inside a home?
The most common sources of power surges include 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?
A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 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 power surge damage?
In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Will 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. It also helps improve system performance and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.