Many people think power surges are limited to lightning storms. While lightning is definitely 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 electric voltage spikes don’t just damage televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs.
What Is a Power Surge
A power surge is a short spike in electrical voltage running through 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. Large appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges.
Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, limiting their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever
Today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing 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 very small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed 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 communicate with your HVAC equipment.
- HVAC system communication controls. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even more to fix. Installing whole-home surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents.
HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Erie 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.Electrical surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVACcapacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use 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 those devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and 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, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Adding whole-home surge protection is an effective way to protect your HVAC investment while also helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Lower repair expenses. Avoiding surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Surge protection provides added confidence when weather-related power outages occur.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Regular summer storms. Given the strong summer storms in Erie, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of surge-related damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of power surges.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Whole-home surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Patterson & Stirling helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The highly trained professionals at Patterson & Stirling understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioner, 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 big impact on your heating and cooling system. Installing 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 considering AC or furnace surge protection, you can count on the team at . Our HVAC services include a variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and help you choose a setup to protect your home HVAC. Beyond 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 814-739-6977 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 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 furnace or air conditioner components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a power surge damage an AC unit?
It can. 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 reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of power surges throughout 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. Small voltage spikes 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 require replacement sooner.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage caused by power surges?
It can. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for 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.
Does a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It can also improve system performance and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.
