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

These electrical surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

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

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many surges happen 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 HVAC systems can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues lead to surges. 

Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, reducing 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. While these features offer many benefits, they also make equipment more vulnerable to 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. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed blower motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for reliable operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

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

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

  • Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary. 
  • Compressors. The compressor is one of the costliest parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system 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. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components that can be 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 furnace or air conditioner. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your entire house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

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

Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. vulnerable technological components experience reduced electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the frequent summer storms in Chester, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Protecting a high-efficiency heating and cooling system by installing whole-home surge protection is often less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Connected home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Whole-house surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc. helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc. 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 

Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a big impact on your heating and cooling system. Installing whole-home surge protection is a proactive 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 a variety of surge protection options, including whole-home surge protection systems. 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 618-826-2151 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system? 

Absolutely. Whole-home surge protection is typically a worthwhile 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, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system. 

Can a power surge damage an AC unit? 

Absolutely. 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 surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach 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. 

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

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 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. 

Does a homeowners insurance policy cover damage caused by power surges? 

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs. 

Can a surge protector help protect smart thermostats? 

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