Many people think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s far from the only one.  Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create electrical 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 advanced electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard 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 sudden spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics. 

Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin 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. Major appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges. 

While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, limiting their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more sensitive to 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 minimal voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed blower motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with 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 reliable operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair or replace. Installing whole-home surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Harmony include: 

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • HVAC compressors. The compressor is one of the most expensive 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. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend 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 power strips don’t protect your HVAC system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and greater long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is connected 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 heating and cooling equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

Installing 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-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Sensitive components experience reduced electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. 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. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the strong summer storms in Harmony, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

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

The experienced professionals at Knoechel Heating understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges 

Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC system. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent major 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 evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. In addition to 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 724-806-1195 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

In most cases, yes. Installing whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged furnace or air conditioner components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system.

Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to costly repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.

Power surges are most commonly caused by 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.

A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although actual service life 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 need replacement sooner.

It depends. 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 a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It also helps improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.