Homeowners often think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely 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 electrical surges don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A home power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment. 

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Electric utility providers routinely switch power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges. 

While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

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

  • Circuit boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity 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 power 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 electrical surge incidents. 

HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Cape Girardeau 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 costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges. 

Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips 

Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and lasting value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

Using whole-home surge protection is a smart 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: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Regular summer storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Cape Girardeau, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Protecting 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 devices. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Whole-house surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Prestige Plumbing and Air helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Prestige Plumbing and Air 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 

Electrical surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC system. Adding whole-home surge protection is a smart 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-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will assess 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. 

See how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 573-266-2048 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system? 

Yes. Installing whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, 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. 

Can an electrical surge damage an an air conditioning system? 

It can. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause expensive repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components. 

What can cause power surges inside 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. Even small, repeated 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 its lifespan 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 homeowners’ insurance cover power surge damage? 

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 

Will surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

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