Many people think power surges are limited to lightning storms. While 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 electrical surges 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. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help protect 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 in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment.
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 power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection
Modern heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include:
- Electronic circuit boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed blower motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment.
- HVAC system communication controls. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation.
- Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk?
Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair or replace. Installing whole-home surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Morgantown include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- Airconditioner compressors. This component is one of the most expensive 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, impacting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges.
Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips
Many people 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 broader coverage and greater long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection
Using 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:
- Reduced repaircosts. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- 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 storms strike your area.
- Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Regular summer storms. Given the strong summer storms in Morgantown, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of surge-related damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home devices. Homes with connected 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 Mountain Air helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The highly trained professionals at Mountain Air 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 with Whole-Home Surge Protection
Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your heating and cooling system. Adding whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent expensive 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Learn how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 304-244-3530 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
Yes. Whole-home surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged furnace or air conditioner components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a power surge damage an AC unit?
It can. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to expensive 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 throughout 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.
What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector?
A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 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 require replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover power surge damage?
It depends. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.
Does a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. Surge protection may also improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of costly repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.