Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it isn’t 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 electrical surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

A power surge in your home is a brief 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 many surges happen much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

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

Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include: 

  • Circuit boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very 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 control your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

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

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

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. The compressor is one of the highest-priced 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. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges. 

Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. 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 more comprehensive coverage and long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Installing 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-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Reduced repaircosts. Reducing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. vulnerable technological components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. You’ll have added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Regular summer storms. Given the strong summer storms in Covington, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Frequent outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Home HVAC surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Covington Air Systems helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Covington Air Systems understand the specific 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 Before the Next Power Surge 

Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling system. Investing in 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 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 review your home’s needs and recommend 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 770-766-8015 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Is HVAC surge protection a good investment? 

Absolutely. Whole-home surge protection is often worth the 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 a power surge damage an air conditioner? 

Yes. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components. 

What can cause power surges inside 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. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time. 

What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector? 

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 properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner. 

Does homeowners insurance cover power surge repairs? 

It depends. Homeowners insurance can 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 avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs. 

Does whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

Absolutely. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It also helps improve system reliability and reduce the risk of costly repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.