Homeowners often think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it isn’t the only one.  Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create voltage spikes inside your home. 

These surges don’t just pose a risk to 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 protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A power surge in your home is a short 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 power surges often occur much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create small 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 HVAC components over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable 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 also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

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

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

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even more to fix. Installing whole-home surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Hasbrouck Heights include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges. 

Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips 

Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and greater long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC system. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

Adding 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-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Reducing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. vulnerable technological components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. You’ll have 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. Frequent storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Hasbrouck Heights, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can add to 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 far less costly 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. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide dependable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at ACE Solutions helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at ACE Solutions understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your AC, 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 major impact on your HVAC equipment. Adding whole-home surge protection is a proactive 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 variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and help you choose a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Find out how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 201-347-7533 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Absolutely. 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 furnace or air conditioner components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.

It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in costly repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach 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. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although that 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.

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of 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.

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It also helps improve system reliability and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.