Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one.  Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create voltage spikes inside your home. 

These electrical surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. While it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage electronic components. 

Many people know 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 electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems 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, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Control boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges? 

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

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Erie include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • HVAC compressors. This component is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips 

Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your HVAC system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and lasting value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your heating and cooling equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

Installing 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: 

  • Reduced repaircosts. Preventing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. vulnerable technological components experience less electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. 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 severe weather strikes. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Erie, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Repeated outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Connected home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Whole-home surge protection must be installed correctly to provide reliable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Patterson & Stirling helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Patterson & Stirling understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges 

Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a significant 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 ready to learn more about AC or furnace surge protection, you can count on the team at . Our HVAC services include comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will assess 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. 

See how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 814-739-6977 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Yes. Whole-house surge protection is typically a worthwhile investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged heating and cooling components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.

It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause major repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.

Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. 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 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 homes that experience many severe storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner.

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 cost-effective way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It also helps improve system longevity and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.