Many people think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although 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 electrical surges inside your home. 

These electric voltage spikes don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. The good news is 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 is a short spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. While it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage home electronics. 

Lightning remains 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 power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever 

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

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Control boards. These act 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 sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient 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 electrical surges can cost hundreds or even more to fix. Installing whole-house surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents. 

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

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • HVAC compressors. The compressor is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Electronic heat pump components. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips 

Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and 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 your entire house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Using 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-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Home electronics protection. 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 weather strikes. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage connected HVAC devices. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the strong summer storms in Cartersville, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Shielding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector is often far less costly than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home devices. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide reliable protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Champion Air Systems helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Champion Air Systems understand the unique 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 major impact on your heating and cooling system. Adding whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent expensive 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 wide variety of surge protection options, including whole-house surge protectors. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and recommend a setup to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Find out how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 678-757-7020 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

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

It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause costly 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. They can also result from problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 5 to 10 years, although its lifespan 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.

It depends. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. Since coverage and deductibles differ, surge protection installation is often cost-effective 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 electrical surges. Surge protection may also improve system reliability and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.