Homeowners often think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it’s far from the only one.  Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create voltage spikes inside your home. 

These electrical surges don’t just threaten televisions and computers. These surges can cause HVAC electrical damage because current heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

A power surge in your home is a brief spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Even though it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment. 

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 electrical surges also can happen 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. 

Although one major power surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes 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 high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most at-risk HVAC components to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal 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 control your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

Damage from power surges can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix. Installing whole-home surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after voltage spike incidents. 

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

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. This component 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. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after frequent voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Which is Better for My Home: Whole-Home Surge Protection or Power Strips? 

Many homeowners use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your heating and cooling system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and long-term 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 system. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

Using 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-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Preventing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Sensitive 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. 
  • Less stress during storms. Homeowners gain added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Marshalltown, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Power outages or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Safeguarding a high-efficiency heating and cooling system with a surge protector 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 Is Important 

Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide reliable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at B & G HVAC helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at B & G HVAC understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your heating and cooling system. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a smart way to help prevent major 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 wide variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and recommend a setup to protect your home HVAC. Beyond surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Find out how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 641-649-4649 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Absolutely. Whole-house surge protection is often a smart investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. 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 conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in expensive repairs. Installing AC surge protection can protect your air conditioner from power surges by reducing the impact of voltage spikes before they reach sensitive HVAC components.

Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. They can also result from problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 5 to 10 years, although actual service life 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.

It depends. Homeowners insurance may cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. Because deductibles and coverage vary, 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 electrical surges. Surge protection may also improve system performance and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.