Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create voltage spikes inside your home. 

These electric voltage spikes 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. Thankfully, 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 can damage electronic components. 

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 power can also surge 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. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, limiting 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. While these features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair or replace. Installing electrical surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after power surge incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Waunakee include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • HVAC 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, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that can be 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 heating and cooling system. For 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 heating and cooling equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

Adding 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. Avoiding surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Electronic HVAC components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Waunakee, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Home HVAC surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC understand the specialized 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 Before the Next Power Surge 

Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a major impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent costly 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 comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-house surge protectors. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a setup to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Learn how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 608-413-4505 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Is HVAC surge protection a good investment? 

Absolutely. Installing whole-home surge protection is often a smart 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, helping extend the life of your home comfort system. 

Can an electrical surge damage an air conditioner? 

Yes. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in costly repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components. 

What can cause power surges throughout a home? 

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

What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector? 

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 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 a homeowners insurance policy cover damage caused by power surges? 

It depends. 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 cost-effective way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 

Will whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

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