Many people think power surges occur only during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s certainly not the only one. Utility switching, power outages/restoration and even large appliances cycling on and off can all create power surges inside your home. 

These surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, 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 home power surge is a short spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics. 

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many surges happen much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and voltage can also spike when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create minor voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, 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, limiting their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever 

Modern 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 at risk of damage from voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most at-risk HVAC 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. 
  • Variable-speed motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems 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 of dollars to fix. Installing electrical surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents. 

HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Pflugerville 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.Power surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Heat pumps rely on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips 

Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your HVAC system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and lasting value. 

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

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC 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. Sensitive components experience reduced electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Surge protection provides added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the frequent summer storms in Pflugerville, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can add to your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive HVAC equipment. Safeguarding 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 more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

Whole-home surge protection must be installed correctly to provide reliable protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning 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 from Future Power Surges 

Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Installing whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent costly 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 a variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and suggest a setup to protect your home HVAC. In addition to 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 512-337-4337 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Absolutely. 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 HVAC components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system.

It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause major repairs. Installing AC surge protection can 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. Even small, repeated surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

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 a home that has frequent 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 cause of the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, surge protection installation is often cost-effective way to help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.

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