Many people think power surges are limited to lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it’s certainly not the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create voltage spikes inside your home.
These electric voltage spikes don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive 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 sudden spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage home electronics.
Lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, limiting their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Modern heating and cooling systems use sophisticated 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, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include:
- Electronic circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed motors. These energy-saving 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. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use 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 voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair or replace. Installing whole-house surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Iowa City include:
- Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main.
- Airconditioner compressors. The compressor is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home.
- Capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges.
Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or Power Strips?
Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Installing whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to protect your HVAC investment while also working to safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Fewer repair costs. Avoiding surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Electronic HVAC components experience reduced electrical stress over time when protected correctly.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also helps protect 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. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Iowa City, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of power surge damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home devices. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert Surge Protection Installation Matters
Whole-house surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning 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
Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC equipment. Adding whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent expensive repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system.
If you’re ready to learn more about 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 recommend a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
See 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
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
Absolutely. Whole-house surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged HVAC components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a power surge damage an an air conditioning system?
It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from power surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What can cause power surges in a home?
Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. 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.
How long does whole-home surge protection last?
A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although actual service life 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 need replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover damage caused by power surges?
In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Will a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It can also improve system performance and reduce the risk of costly repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.
