Many homeowners think power surges occur only during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it’s far from 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. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Fortunately, 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 brief spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. While it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage electronic components.
Lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Electric utility providers routinely switch power on the electrical grid, and power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create small 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, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, limiting their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Modern heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include:
- Electronic circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation.
- Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection?
Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair or replace. Installing electrical surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after power surge incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Auburn and Opelika 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.Electrical surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVAC system capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. 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 those devices don’t protect your HVAC system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your HVAC equipment.
Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection
Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective way to protect your HVAC investment while 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 less electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Home electronics protection. 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 storms strike your area.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Regular summer storms. Given the strong summer storms in Auburn and Opelika, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important
Whole-house surge protection must be professionally installed to provide dependable protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your AC, 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 significant impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent expensive 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 help you choose a setup to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Learn how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 334-524-2458 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
Absolutely. Installing whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged furnace or air conditioner components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a power surge damage an AC unit?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from power surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.
What causes power surges throughout 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. 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 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 need replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover damage caused by power surges?
It can. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of 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.
Does surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. Surge protection may also improve system performance and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.