Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. Although 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 power surges inside your home. 

These surges don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because current 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 expensive repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

A power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage running 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. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or AC units 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. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges 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 high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can 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. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use 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 to repair. Installing electrical surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Iowa City include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • Compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the costliest 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. 
  • HVACcapacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges. 

Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or Power Strips? 

Many people 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 broader coverage and long-term 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 helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC system. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

Adding whole-home surge protection is a smart way to protect your HVAC investment while also working to safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home. 

Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. vulnerable technological components experience reduced electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Homeowners gain added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the strong summer storms in Iowa City, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment Before the Next Power Surge 

Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC system. Adding whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent expensive 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and suggest 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 protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 319-337-3520 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

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

Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in costly repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by preventing the surges from reaching 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 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.

It can. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It can also improve system performance and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.