Many homeowners think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one.  Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create power surges inside your home. 

These electrical surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

A home power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can 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 voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that 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 heating and cooling equipment over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Modern heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include: 

  • 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. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges? 

Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even more to repair or replace. Installing whole-house surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents. 

HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Narvon 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 highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips 

Many homeowners use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and greater long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is located 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 HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-House 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: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Avoiding surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. vulnerable technological components experience lower electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the powerful summer storms in Narvon, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Connected home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Whole-house surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Ameri-Tec helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Ameri-Tec understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Electrical surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling system. Investing in whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent costly repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system. 

If you’re considering 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 assess 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. 

See how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 717-844-9228 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Yes. Whole-home surge protection is typically a worthwhile 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, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.

Yes. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in major repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from power surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components.

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.

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 properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner.

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance may cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.

Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It also helps improve system longevity and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.