Many homeowners think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it’s certainly not the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create power surges inside your home.
These electrical surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive 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 in your home is a short spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment.
Many people know 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 electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, reducing 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 can also make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection.
HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include:
- Control boards. They function 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. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment.
- HVAC system communication controls. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation.
- Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to fix. Installing whole-house surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents.
HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Gibsonton include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- Airconditioner compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVACcapacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. Modern heat pumps use 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 these plug-in devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your HVAC system.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Using whole-home surge protection is a smart way to protect your HVAC investment while helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home.
Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Reduced repaircosts. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. vulnerable technological components experience less 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.
- Added confidence during severe weather. You’ll have added confidence when weather-related power outages occur.
- Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment.
5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Gibsonton, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of electrical surge damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes.
- Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at R&R Cooling Solutions helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system.
The highly trained professionals at R&R Cooling Solutions understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend 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 dramatic, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC equipment. 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 wide variety of surge protection options, including whole-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and help you choose a setup to protect your home HVAC. Beyond 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 813-331-9902 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
In most cases, yes. Whole-home 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, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can an electrical surge damage an AC unit?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in 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 are the common causes of power surges throughout 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. 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.
How long does whole-home surge protection last?
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 a home that has frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover damage caused by power surges?
It depends. Homeowners insurance may cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused 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.
Will a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It also helps improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of costly repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.