Homeowners often think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one. Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create power surges inside your home.
These electrical surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A power surge in your home is a sudden spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment.
Many people know 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 electrical surges also can happen 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.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever
Modern heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include:
- Circuit boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed blower motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair or replace. Installing whole-home surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after power surge incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Lawrence include:
- Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main.
- Airconditioner compressors. The compressor is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVACcapacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges.
Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips
Many homeowners use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire 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 also helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Lower repair expenses. Avoiding surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Electronic HVAC 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.
- Greater peace of mind duringstorms. You’ll have added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Regular summer storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Lawrence, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference
Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Scott Temperature helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The experienced professionals at Scott Temperature understand the specialized 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 with Whole-Home Surge Protection
Electrical surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC equipment. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent expensive 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 assess your home’s needs and help you choose a setup to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we offer 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 785-503-3712 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
Yes. Whole-house 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, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can an electrical surge damage an air conditioner?
It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of 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. Small voltage spikes 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 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 damage caused by power surges?
It can. Homeowners insurance may 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 a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and 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 power surges. Surge protection may also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.