Many homeowners think power surges occur only during lightning storms. Although 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 surges don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on highly sensitive electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

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

Lightning is the most well-known cause, but many surges happen 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. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that 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 HVAC components over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Need More Surge Protection Than Ever 

Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use sophisticated electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can make equipment more vulnerable to 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. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that benefit from 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 voltage spike incidents. 

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

  • Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary. 
  • Compressors. The compressor is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Electrical surges can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVACcapacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges. 

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

Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your HVAC system. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is set up right at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your heating and cooling equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

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

Benefits of whole-home HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Reducing surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience lower electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection. 
  • Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, whole-home surge protection also helps protect appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. You’ll have added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the powerful summer storms in Huntingburg, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling 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. Smart home technology. Homes with connected thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Whole-home surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Dearing's Service & Solutions helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Dearing's Service & Solutions understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend the right surge protector for your AC, 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 big impact on your HVAC equipment. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a proactive 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 a variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will review your home’s needs and recommend a setup to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

See how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 812-956-0349 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Yes. Whole-house surge protection is often worth the 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.

It can. A power surge can damage your AC unit’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to costly repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations 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. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Repeated minor power surges can gradually wear down HVAC components over time.

A typical whole-home surge protector lasts about 5 to 10 years, although that depends on the number and severity of the surges it absorbs. Surge protector systems in properties that experience frequent storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner.

It depends. 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 help prevent expensive HVAC repairs.

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