Many homeowners think power surges occur only during lightning storms. While lightning is 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 power surges inside your home.
These electric voltage spikes don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. While it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage home electronics.
Lightning is the most well-known cause, but many surges happen much closer to home. Utility companies regularly 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 brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges.
Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Today’s heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include:
- Electronic circuit boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment.
- HVAC system communication controls. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation.
- Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk?
Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Installing whole-house surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Carpentersville 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 highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVAC system capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges.
Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or Power Strips?
Many homeowners use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your HVAC system. 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 connected at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection
Using whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to protect your HVAC investment while also helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include:
- Lower repair expenses. Avoiding surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. Sensitive components experience less electrical stress over time when protected correctly.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. Homeowners gain added confidence when weather-related power outages occur.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection
- Regular summer storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Carpentersville, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of surge-related damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home devices. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Whole-home surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Controlled Comfort HVAC helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Controlled Comfort HVAC understand the specialized 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 Before the Next Power Surge
Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC system. Adding whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent major 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 suggest a setup to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Learn how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 224-335-9783 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
In most cases, yes. Whole-home 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, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a sudden power spike damage an air conditioner?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in costly repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What can cause power surges throughout 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.
What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector?
A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 5 to 10 years, although that 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 require replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover power surge damage?
It depends. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Can whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It can also improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of costly repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.
