Many homeowners think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it isn’t 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 electrical surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Fortunately, 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 power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage electronic components. 

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Large 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. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, limiting their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features 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: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. These act 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 vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to repair. Installing electrical surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents. 

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

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. The compressor is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges. 

Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips 

Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and lasting 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 house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

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

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Avoiding surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC components experience reduced electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Surge protection provides added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the powerful summer storms in Macon, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide dependable protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Air Temperature Control helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Air Temperature Control 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 Before the Next Power Surge 

Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC system. 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 comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and help you choose a setup 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 478-339-3882 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system? 

In most cases, yes. Whole-house 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 heating and cooling components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system. 

Can an electrical surge damage an air conditioner? 

Absolutely. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to major repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components. 

What can cause power surges throughout a home? 

The most common sources of power surges include lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Power surges may also stem from problems within your home’s electrical system. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time. 

How long does whole-home surge protection 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 need replacement sooner. 

Does homeowners insurance cover power surge damage? 

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance sometimes cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs. 

Can a surge protector help protect smart thermostats? 

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. Surge protection may also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.