Homeowners often think power surges only happen during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s certainly not 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 can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A home power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it 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 air conditioners can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems 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. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they also make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most at-risk HVAC components to power surges include: 

  • Control boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed blower motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even more to fix. Installing whole-house surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after power surge incidents. 

HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Phoenix include: 

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • HVAC compressors. The compressor is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVACcapacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after frequent 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 people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For 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. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

Using whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to protect your HVAC investment while helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home. 

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Avoiding surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Sensitive components experience reduced electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Phoenix, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Connected home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Home HVAC surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Integrity AC & Heating LLC helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Integrity AC & Heating LLC understand the specific 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 with Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a big impact on your heating and cooling 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 considering 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 surge protection systems. Our professionals will assess 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. 

Find out how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 602-971-0567 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Yes. Whole-house surge protection is typically a worthwhile 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.

Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.

The most common sources of power surges include lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 5 to 10 years, although that depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner.

It can. Homeowners insurance may cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.

It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. Surge protection may also improve system reliability and reduce the risk of costly repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.