Homeowners often think power surges are limited to lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it’s far from the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create voltage spikes inside your home. 

These electric voltage spikes don’t just damage televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

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

Many people know 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 electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges. 

Although one major power 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 

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

Some of the most at-risk HVAC components to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal 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 automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

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

HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Ellsworth include: 

  • Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary. 
  • HVAC compressors. This component is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVACcapacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components which are 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 HVAC system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and lasting value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it helps 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 a proactive 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: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Reducing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer-lasting HVAC equipment. Sensitive components experience less electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the strong summer storms in Ellsworth, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Repeated outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can add to 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 far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Whole-home surge protection must be installed correctly to provide reliable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC system. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a smart way to help prevent expensive 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 a wide variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and suggest a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Find out how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 715-603-4483 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

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 heating and cooling components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.

Yes. 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 fluctuations by shielding the 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. 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.

A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although that 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.

It can. Homeowners insurance can 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 protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.

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