Many people think power surges occur only during lightning storms. While 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 electrical surges inside your home. 

These electric voltage spikes don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

A home power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. While it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment. 

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, 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 cooling equipment over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can 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: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

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

HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Wyandotte include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • Compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Electrical 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. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips 

Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it helps 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 helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home. 

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Sensitive components experience less electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Regular summer storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Wyandotte, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Whole-home surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a major impact on your heating and cooling system. Installing whole-home surge protection is a smart way to help prevent major 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and suggest 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 protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 734-284-1224 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system? 

Absolutely. 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 HVAC components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system. 

Can an electrical surge damage an AC unit? 

Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components. 

What can cause power surges inside a home? 

The most common sources of power surges include 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. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time. 

How long does whole-home surge protection last? 

Most whole-home surge protectors last 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 power surge damage? 

It can. Homeowners insurance may 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 cost-effective way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 

Does a surge protector help protect smart thermostats? 

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