Many homeowners think power surges occur only during lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it’s far from 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 pose a risk to televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive 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 Are Power Surges  

A home power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment. 

Many people know 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. Household appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most at-risk HVAC components to power surges include: 

  • Control boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed blower motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that control 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 rely on sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

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

HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Seymour 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.Electrical surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Heat pump systems depend 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 those devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and greater long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your HVAC system. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

Using 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. Avoiding surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience less electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Surge protection provides added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Regular summer storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Seymour, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Repeated outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Safeguarding 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 more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Whole-home surge protection must be properly installed to provide reliable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment Before the Next Power Surge 

Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC equipment. Investing in 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 considering 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 review your home’s needs and help you choose a customized solution 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 safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 920-833-7967 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Is HVAC surge protection a good investment? 

Absolutely. 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 heating and cooling components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system. 

Can a sudden power spike damage an an air conditioning system? 

Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to costly repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by shielding the sensitive HVAC components. 

What causes power surges throughout a home? 

The most common sources of power surges include lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Power surges may also stem from problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time. 

What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector? 

Most whole-home surge protectors last 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 require replacement sooner. 

Does homeowners’ insurance cover power surge repairs? 

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

Can surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It can also improve system performance and reduce the risk of costly repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.