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 voltage spikes inside your home.
These electric voltage spikes don’t just damage televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A home 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 may damage home electronics.
Lightning is the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Electric utility providers routinely switch power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike 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 lead to surges.
Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, reducing their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection
Modern heating and cooling systems use advanced 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, 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 very small voltage spikes.
- Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges.
- Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment.
- HVAC system communication controls. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation.
- Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems 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 more to repair or replace. Installing whole-home surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Wilmington include:
- Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main.
- Compressors. The compressor is one of the costliest 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.
- Capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance.
- Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes.
- Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges.
Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to 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 complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is set up right 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
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:
- Reduced repaircosts. Avoiding surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. vulnerable technological components experience less electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Less stress during storms. You’ll have added confidence when severe weather strikes.
- Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage your HVAC system.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Severe weather. Given the powerful summer storms in Wilmington, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of surge-related damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- Modern heating and cooling 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.
- Smart home devices. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
Whole-house surge protection must be professionally installed to provide dependable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Brandywine Heating & Air helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system.
The highly trained professionals at Brandywine Heating & Air understand the specific 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 with Whole-Home Surge Protection
Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC equipment. Installing 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 comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and recommend a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home.
See how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 302-246-7971 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
In most cases, yes. Whole-house surge protection is typically a worthwhile investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, 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.
Can a sudden power spike damage an AC unit?
It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to costly repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What causes power surges throughout 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.
What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector?
Most whole-home surge protectors last 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 need replacement sooner.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage caused by power surges?
In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.
Can whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It also helps improve system reliability and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.