Many people think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it isn’t the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create electrical surges inside your home. 

These electrical surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help protect 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 running through your home’s wiring. While it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage home electronics. 

Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin 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 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 contribute to surges. 

While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced 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, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Circuit boards. These act 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 susceptible to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

Damage from electrical surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix. Installing whole-home surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after power surge incidents. 

HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Mount Horeb include: 

  • Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary. 
  • HVAC compressors. The compressor is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that are particularly vulnerable to surges. 

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

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

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

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

Installing whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to protect your HVAC investment while helping safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home. 

Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Reducing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience lower 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. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Regular summer storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Mount Horeb, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Connected home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Whole-home surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Working with 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 skilled professionals at JW Brager Heating and Cooling 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 

Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a big impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Adding whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent costly repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system. 

If you’re ready to learn more about 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-home protection. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and suggest a setup to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

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

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system? 

Absolutely. Installing whole-home surge protection is often a smart 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 an electrical surge damage an an air conditioning system? 

Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components. 

What can cause power surges in 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. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time. 

How long does a whole-home surge protector last? 

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 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 require replacement sooner. 

Does homeowners insurance cover power surge damage? 

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance may cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs. 

Does surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. It can also improve system performance and reduce the risk of costly repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.