Many homeowners think power surges only happen 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 surges don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A power surge in your home is a brief spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment.
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. Household appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, 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, reducing their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever
Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use sophisticated 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 at-risk HVAC components to power surges include:
- Circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes.
- Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation.
- Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection?
Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair. Installing whole-home surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Wisconsin Rapids include:
- Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main.
- 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 responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVAC system capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips
Many homeowners 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 greater coverage and long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home 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 avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience reduced electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Less stress during storms. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe storms strike your area.
- Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Wisconsin Rapids, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage.
- Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of power surges.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert Surge Protection Installation Matters
Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment Before the Next Power Surge
Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling system. Adding whole-home surge protection is a smart way to help prevent costly 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and recommend a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home.
See how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 715-564-8958 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is HVAC surge protection a good investment?
Absolutely. Whole-house 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 furnace or air conditioner components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can an electrical surge damage an an air conditioning system?
It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’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 preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What causes power surges in a home?
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. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
How long does a whole-home surge protector last?
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 homes that experience many severe storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover power surge repairs?
It can. Homeowners insurance sometimes 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 cost-effective way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.
Will a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It also helps improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.