Many homeowners 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 surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard 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 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 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. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, reducing their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection
Modern heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced 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:
- Control boards. They function 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 susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment.
- Communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation.
- Inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk?
Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair. Installing electrical surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Cache Valley include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- Airconditioner compressors. This component is one of the costliest 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.
- HVACcapacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips
Many homeowners use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your heating and cooling system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and lasting 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 entire house, including your heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection
Using whole-home surge protection is a smart way to protect your HVAC investment while also 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. Sensitive components experience lower electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Regular summer storms. Given the strong summer storms in Cache Valley, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of surge-related damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Repeated outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often far less costly 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 Is Important
Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Western Mechanical, Inc. helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The highly trained professionals at Western Mechanical, Inc. understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges
Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC system. Installing 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 interested in 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 evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a setup 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 safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 435-753-5515 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
Yes. 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 HVAC components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a sudden power spike damage an an air conditioning system?
It can. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What can cause 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. 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 homes that experience many severe storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover damage caused by power surges?
It depends. Homeowners insurance may 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.
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 power surges. It can also improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.