Homeowners often think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although lightning is 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 surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive 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 may damage home electronics.
Lightning remains 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. Major appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more vulnerable to 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. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair. Installing whole-home surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents.
HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Des Moines include:
- Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary.
- HVAC compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the highest-priced 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. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes.
- Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges.
Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips
Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and long-term value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC equipment.
Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection
Using 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:
- Reduced repaircosts. Preventing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. Sensitive components experience less electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Greater peace of mind duringstorms. You’ll have added confidence when weather-related power outages occur.
- Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Regular summer storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Des Moines, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of surge-related damage.
- Power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of power surges.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- 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.
- Smart home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect.
Expert Surge Protection Installation Matters
Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system.
The highly trained professionals at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling 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 with Whole-Home Surge Protection
Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC equipment. Installing 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 protection. 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.
See how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 515-278-2900 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system?
Yes. Whole-house 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 HVAC components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can a sudden power spike damage an air conditioner?
Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to major repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from power surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What can cause power surges inside a home?
Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. They can also result from problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes 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 its lifespan 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 require replacement sooner.
Does a homeowners insurance policy cover power surge damage?
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 cost-effective way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.
Does a surge protector help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It can also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of costly repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.