Many homeowners think power surges only happen during 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 surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A power surge is a short 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 power surges often occur 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. Large appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges. 

Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, limiting their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech 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, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Control boards. They function 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. 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 efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges? 

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

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Lawrence include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. This component is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pumps rely 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. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and greater long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-House 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-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Reducing surge damage can help avoid 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, whole-home surge protection also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Homeowners gain added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Lawrence, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Whole-house surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Scott Temperature helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Scott Temperature understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges 

Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC system. 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-home protection. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and suggest a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Find out how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 785-503-3712 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

In most cases, yes. Installing 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 heating and cooling components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.

Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components.

Power surges are most commonly caused by lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. They can also result from problems within your home’s electrical system. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

Most whole-home surge protectors last 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 need replacement sooner.

In some cases, but not all. 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 avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.

Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It also helps improve system reliability and reduce the risk of costly repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.