Many people think power surges are limited to lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create power surges inside your home. 

These electric voltage spikes don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

A power surge in your home is a short spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. While it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment. 

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many surges happen 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. Major 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 contribute to surges. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies 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: 

  • Circuit 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. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems 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 electrical surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents. 

HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Alliance 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.Power 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. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that can be 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 power strips don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located 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 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-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Avoiding surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC 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. 
  • Greater peace of mind duringstorms. You’ll have added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Alliance, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide consistent protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces 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 from Future Power Surges 

Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling system. Installing whole-home surge protection is a smart way to help prevent major 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 surge protection systems. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and help you choose a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Learn how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 308-762-1613 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

In most cases, yes. Whole-home surge protection is typically a worthwhile 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.

Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause major repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach 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. Another possible cause is 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 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.

It can. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.

It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. Surge protection may also improve system performance and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.