Homeowners often think power surges are limited to lightning storms. While lightning is 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 surges don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern 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 expensive repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A home power surge is a short spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics.
Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many surges happen 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. Large 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 can cause surges.
Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems 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. Although these technologies 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:
- Circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes.
- Variable-speed motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment.
- Electronic communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation.
- Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even more 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 Hasbrouck Heights include:
- Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main.
- Compressors. This component is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVAC system capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges.
Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips
Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your HVAC system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection
Adding whole-home surge protection is an effective 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. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. vulnerable technological components experience less electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection.
- 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. Surge protection provides added confidence when weather-related power outages occur.
- Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Hasbrouck Heights, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of surge-related damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk.
- Expensive HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components.
- Connected home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Whole-home surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at ACE Solutions helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The skilled professionals at ACE Solutions understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems.
Protect Your HVAC Investment Before the Next Power Surge
Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC equipment. Investing in 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 considering 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 surge protection systems. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and recommend 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
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
Yes. Installing whole-home surge protection is often a smart 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, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a sudden power spike damage an an air conditioning system?
It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to major repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components.
What are the common causes of 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. They can also result from problems within your home’s electrical system. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.
How long does a whole-home surge protector last?
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.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover power surge repairs?
In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often a smart way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Can whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It also helps improve system performance and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.