Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While 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 pose a risk to televisions and computers. These surges can 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 major repairs.
What Are Power Surges
A home power surge is a short spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. While it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage electronic components.
Lightning is the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or AC units can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause 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, limiting their lifespan.
Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever
Modern heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can 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:
- Control 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.
- Communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation.
- Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection.
Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges?
Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands to fix. Installing electrical surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents.
HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Saint Louis include:
- Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges.
- Airconditioner compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace.
- Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home.
- HVACcapacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance.
- Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes.
- Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that are particularly 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 heating and cooling system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and lasting value.
A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is set up right 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 heating and cooling equipment.
Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection
Using 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-home HVAC surge protection include:
- Fewer repair costs. Avoiding surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs.
- Extended HVAC system lifespan. Sensitive components experience lower electrical stress over time when properly protected.
- Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Less stress during storms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe storms strike your area.
- Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment.
5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection
- Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Saint Louis, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of power surge damage.
- Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges.
- Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk.
- 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.
- Smart home devices. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect.
Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference
Whole-home surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system.
The highly trained professionals at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating 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 from Future Power Surges
Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your HVAC equipment. Installing whole-home surge protection is a smart way to help prevent major 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 variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and help you choose a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home.
Learn how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 314-310-0363 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection
Is a whole-house surge protection beneficial for an HVAC system?
Yes. 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 furnace or air conditioner components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.
Can an electrical surge damage an AC unit?
It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from power surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components.
What can cause power surges in 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. 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 whole-home surge protection last?
Most whole-home surge protectors last 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 need replacement sooner.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover damage caused by power surges?
It depends. Homeowners insurance may 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 cost-effective way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.
Can whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats?
Absolutely. 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 your home’s heating and cooling equipment.