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

These electric voltage spikes don’t just damage televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

A home power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage in your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics. 

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 contribute to surges. 

Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, shortening their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they also make equipment more vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

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

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Siloam Springs include: 

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • HVAC compressors. The compressor is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. A smart thermostat can malfunction after multiple 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 people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and lasting value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

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

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Reducing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. vulnerable technological components experience less electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. Homeowners gain added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Siloam Springs, 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 damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Safeguarding 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 Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have additional sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Whole-house surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Siloam Springs Heating & AC helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Siloam Springs Heating & AC understand the specialized 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 

Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC system. Installing whole-home surge protection is a smart way to help prevent expensive 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 comprehensive surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and suggest a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with 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 479-448-2261 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Absolutely. Whole-home surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. Compared with repair costs, 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.

It can. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause major repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by shielding the sensitive HVAC components.

The most common sources of power surges include lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Another possible cause is 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 its lifespan 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 need replacement sooner.

In some cases, but not all. Homeowners insurance sometimes 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 a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.

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