Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it isn’t 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 pose a risk to televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard 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 still can damage home electronics. 

Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they 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: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Installing electrical surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents. 

HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Croydon 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.Electrical surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that are particularly 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 power strips don’t protect your HVAC system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and lasting value. 

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home 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: 

  • Reduced repaircosts. Preventing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. vulnerable technological components experience lower electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. You’ll have added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Croydon, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Repeated outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Whole-home surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioner, 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 major impact on your HVAC system. Adding whole-home surge protection is an effective 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 comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and recommend a setup to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

See how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 215-741-5505 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Is HVAC surge protection a good investment? 

In most cases, yes. Whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of 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 AC unit? 

Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause costly repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components. 

What causes power surges throughout 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. Another possible cause is 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 a home that has frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner. 

Does homeowners insurance cover damage caused by power surges? 

In some cases, but not all. 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 a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs. 

Can a surge protector 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 can also improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.