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 electric voltage spikes 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. Fortunately, 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 power surge is a brief 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 is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that benefit from 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-home surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in New Castle include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. The compressor is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or Power Strips? 

Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your HVAC system. To provide complete 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. Rather than protecting only one outlet, the system 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 a smart 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. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC components experience less electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. You’ll have added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the powerful summer storms in New Castle, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Connected home technology. Homes with smart 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 installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Central Heating & Plumbing helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Central Heating & Plumbing understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment Before the Next Power Surge 

Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC 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 interested in 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and help you choose a setup to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Find out how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 724-530-3753 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Yes. Whole-house surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged heating and cooling components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.

It can. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause major repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.

Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 5 to 10 years, although actual service life 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 need replacement sooner.

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. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.

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