Many people think power surges only happen during 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 power surges inside your home. 

These electrical surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A power surge is a short spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics. 

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and electrical surges also can happen 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. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Modern heating and cooling systems use advanced 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. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive 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. 
  • Variable-speed blower motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

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

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Mount Horeb include: 

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. This component is one of the most expensive 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. 
  • Capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after multiple voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges. 

Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips 

Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Installing whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to protect your HVAC investment while also helping 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. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC components experience reduced electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. Homeowners gain added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the strong summer storms in Mount Horeb, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Repeated outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Safeguarding 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 devices. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Whole-home surge protection must be properly installed to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at JW Brager Heating and Cooling helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at JW Brager Heating and Cooling understand the specialized 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 with Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC system. Adding whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent major 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 assess your home’s needs and suggest a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

See how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 608-523-9293 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

In most cases, yes. Whole-home surge protection is typically a worthwhile investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged HVAC components, which can help 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 expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can 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. 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 its lifespan depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in homes that experience many severe storms or utility power fluctuations may need replacement sooner.

It can. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.

It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It can also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.