Homeowners often think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely 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 electrical surges don’t just damage televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because modern heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. The good news is 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 is a sudden spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it can damage home electronics. 

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but power surges often occur much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Major appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. In some cases, loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges. 

Though a single significant 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 Are More Vulnerable Than Ever 

Modern 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, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed motors. These advanced 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. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges? 

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

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Newton include: 

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. An HVAC compressor is one of the most expensive parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors that circulate conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Power surges may weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components that are particularly 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 more comprehensive coverage and greater long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is located at your home’s electrical panel. Unlike devices that protect only one outlet, it can help safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your heating and cooling equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

Installing 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 reduce 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, whole-home surge protection also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Greater peace of mind duringstorms. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the powerful summer storms in Newton, lightning protection for your HVAC can help reduce the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or substandard 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 even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Choosing licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Brookwood Inc helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The skilled professionals at Brookwood Inc understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges 

Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Adding whole-home surge protection is an effective 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-house surge protectors. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and suggest a setup to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Learn how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 641-693-6216 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Absolutely. Whole-house 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 furnace or air conditioner 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, leading to expensive repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach 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. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although actual service life 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.

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

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from power surges. It can also improve system performance and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.