Many people think power surges occur only during lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s far from the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create voltage spikes inside your home. 

These electrical surges don’t just pose a risk to televisions and computers. They may also cause HVAC electrical damage because today’s heating and cooling systems rely on advanced electronic components. Fortunately, HVAC surge protection can help shield one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of major repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. While it lasts only a fraction of a second, it still can damage electronic components. 

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. Large 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 contribute to surges. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, limiting their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even brief or small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that communicate with your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even more to repair or replace. Installing whole-house surge protection helps reduce the risk of unexpected failures and costly HVAC repair after electrical surge incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Northridge include: 

  • Control boards:Protecting your HVAC system’s control board safeguards its primary. 
  • HVAC compressors. The compressor is one of the costliest 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. 
  • HVACcapacitors. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, impacting system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pump control electronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that are particularly 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 these plug-in devices don’t protect your HVAC system. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and greater long-term value. 

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

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

Installing 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: 

  • Reduced repaircosts. Reducing surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. Electronic HVAC components experience reduced 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. You’ll have added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the powerful summer storms in Northridge, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or outdated electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Protecting 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 Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

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

The skilled professionals at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating understand the unique electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will recommend the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment with Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Power surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Adding 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 considering 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 evaluate your home’s needs and help you choose a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. Along with surge protection, we provide all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Learn how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call (818) 727-9993 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

In most cases, yes. 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 HVAC components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.

Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause costly 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. They can also result from 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 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.

It depends. Homeowners insurance sometimes 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 protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs.

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps protect smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from electrical surges. Surge protection may also improve system longevity and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to modern heating and cooling equipment.