Homeowners often think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely 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 pose a risk to televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. Fortunately, 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 in your home is a brief spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage electronic components. 

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 electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

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

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include: 

  • Control boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed motors. These energy-saving 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. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

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

HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Ellsworth 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.Voltage spikes can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges. 

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

Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your heating and cooling system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and greater 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, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your heating and cooling equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Adding whole-home surge protection is an effective 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. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the strong summer storms in Ellsworth, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk. 
  4. 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. 
  5. Connected home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Home HVAC surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC understand the specific 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 Before the Next Power Surge 

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

If you’re interested in 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 recommend a setup to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

See how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 715-603-4483 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

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

Absolutely. Installing whole-home surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged heating and cooling components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system. 

Can a power surge damage an an air conditioning system? 

It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to expensive repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by shielding the 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. 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 whole-house surge protector usually lasts 5 to 10 years, although that depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in a home that has frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner. 

Does a homeowners insurance policy cover power surge repairs? 

It can. Homeowners insurance sometimes 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 cost-effective way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 

Does 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 damaging voltage spikes. It can also improve system reliability and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.