Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely 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 electrical surges don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Is a Power Surge
A home power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. While it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment.
Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many surges happen 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. Large appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges.
Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection
Today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include:
- Control boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed blower 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. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation.
- Inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk?
Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even more to repair or replace. Installing whole-house surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after power surge incidents.
HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Phoenix include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- Airconditioner compressors. This component is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVACcapacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips
Homeowners commonly 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 broader coverage and lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Installing whole-home surge protection is an effective way to protect your HVAC investment while also 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.
- Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Added confidence during severe weather. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment.
5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Phoenix, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk.
- High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Smart home devices. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference
Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Integrity AC & Heating LLC helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system.
The highly trained professionals at Integrity AC & Heating LLC understand the specialized 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
Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a big impact on your heating and cooling system. Adding 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 ready to learn more about 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 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.
Learn how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 602-971-0567 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
Yes. Whole-house surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged HVAC components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a power surge damage an an air conditioning system?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause major 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 causes 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. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector?
A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although its lifespan 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 require replacement sooner.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage caused by power surges?
In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.
Will a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. Surge protection may also improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.
