Many homeowners think power surges are limited to lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility switching, power outages/restoration and even large appliances cycling on and off can all create power surges inside your home.
These electrical surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs.
What Is a Power Surge
A power surge in your home is a short 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 remains the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute 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, reducing their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Modern heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include:
- Electronic circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed blower motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment.
- HVAC system communication controls. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation.
- Variable-capacity 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 more to repair. Installing whole-home surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents.
HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Bishop include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- Airconditioner 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, impacting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips
Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For complete 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 heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection
Adding 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:
- Lower repair expenses. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Sensitive components experience less electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe storms strike your area.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the strong summer storms in Bishop, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- High-efficiency 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.
- Smart home devices. 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 reliable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your AC, 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 significant impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Adding 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 interested in AC or furnace surge protection, you can count on the team at . Our HVAC services include a wide variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and help you choose 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 760-938-9833 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
Yes. Whole-home surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged heating and cooling components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can an electrical surge damage an air conditioner?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in costly repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of power surges inside 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. 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 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 require replacement sooner.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover power surge damage?
It depends. Homeowners insurance may 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 protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.
Will surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. Surge protection may also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.