Homeowners often think power surges are limited to lightning storms. While 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 electrical surges inside your home. 

These electric voltage spikes don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard 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 sudden spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. While it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics. 

Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Electric utility providers routinely switch power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges. 

Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they can 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. 
  • Variable-speed blower motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix. Installing electrical surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after power surge incidents. 

HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Alliance include: 

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • 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 responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips 

Many homeowners use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your heating and cooling system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and greater long-term 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 can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your 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: 

  • Reduced repaircosts. Preventing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. vulnerable technological components experience reduced 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. You’ll have added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Alliance, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide consistent protection. Choosing 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 experienced professionals at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your AC, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges 

Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a major impact on your heating and cooling equipment. 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 interested in 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and help you choose a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with 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 HVAC Surge Protection 

Is HVAC surge protection a good investment? 

In most cases, yes. Installing 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. 

Can a sudden power spike damage an AC unit? 

Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to major repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components. 

What causes power surges in a home? 

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. 

What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector? 

Most whole-home surge protectors last 5 to 10 years, although actual service life depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner. 

Does homeowners’ insurance cover power surge damage? 

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs. 

Can whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. Surge protection may also improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of costly repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.