Many homeowners think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it isn’t 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 threaten televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. The good news is 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 short spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage electronic components.
Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin 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 brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges.
While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment 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 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:
- Electronic circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed 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. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems 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. Installing whole-home surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Eugene include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- HVAC compressors. An HVAC compressor 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.
- HVACcapacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips
Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and greater long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC equipment.
Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection
Adding 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:
- Lower repair expenses. Reducing surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Less stress during storms. You’ll have added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Eugene, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert Surge Protection Installation Is Important
Whole-house surge protection must be installed correctly to provide reliable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Home Comfort helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Home Comfort 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 Before the Next Power Surge
Electrical surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big 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 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 surge protection systems. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and recommend a setup to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Find out how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 541-345-2838 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
In most cases, yes. Whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of 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 a power surge damage an AC unit?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in costly repairs. AC surge protection 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. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
How long does a whole-home surge protector last?
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 require replacement sooner.
Does homeowners insurance cover power surge damage?
It can. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.
Can surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. Surge protection may also improve system reliability and reduce the risk of costly repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.