Many homeowners think power surges occur only during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s certainly not the only one.  Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create voltage spikes inside your home. 

These surges don’t just pose a risk to 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 in your home is a sudden spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage home electronics. 

Many people know lightning is the most well-known cause, but many electrical surges begin 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 brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause 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 

Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands to fix. Installing whole-house surge protection helps lower the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after power surge incidents. 

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

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. This component is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVACcapacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend 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 these plug-in devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater 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, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your HVAC system. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

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

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Preventing surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. vulnerable technological components experience lower electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Saint Louis, 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 electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide dependable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment Before the Next Power Surge 

Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your HVAC equipment. Adding 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 considering 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 suggest a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Learn how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 314-834-1114 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Yes. Installing whole-home surge protection is often worth the 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, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.

Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in costly repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.

Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. Power surges may also stem from problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

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 homes that experience many severe storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner.

It depends. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and what caused the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.

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