Many homeowners think power surges occur only during lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it’s certainly not the only one.  Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration 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 today’s heating and cooling systems rely on sophisticated electronic components. Thankfully, HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of costly repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage running through your home’s wiring. Although 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 many electrical surges begin much closer to home. Power companies frequently adjust power on the electrical grid, and electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create brief voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. Sometimes, loose wiring or other home electrical issues can cause surges. 

Though a single significant surge can cause immediate damage, smaller, repeated voltage spikes can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Modern heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced 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 vulnerable components 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 blower 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 automatically adjust your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Today’s HVAC systems rely on electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Systems with variable-capacity operation use sophisticated electronics that benefit from surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

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

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Northridge include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • HVAC compressors. The compressor is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Power surges can damage motors responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • HVAC system capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. These devices may malfunction after multiple voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Heat pump systems depend on multiple electronic components which are vulnerable to surges. 

Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips 

Homeowners commonly use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but those devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-home surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Instead of regulating electricity to only one outlet, the system helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your HVAC equipment. 

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. Reducing surge damage can help avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Electronic HVAC components experience less electrical stress over time when properly protected. 
  • Protection for household electronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Defense against everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Regular summer storms. Given the strong summer storms in Northridge, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of electrical surge damage. 
  2. Frequent power outages or flickering lights. Frequent outages and voltage fluctuations increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. High-efficiency HVAC equipment. Protecting 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 smart thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Home HVAC surge protection must be professionally installed to provide consistent protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to safeguard your home HVAC system. 

The experienced professionals at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating understand the specific 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 from Future Power Surges 

Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Investing in whole-home surge protection is a proactive way to help prevent major repairs, extend equipment life and improve the reliability of your HVAC system. 

If you’re interested in 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 assess your home’s needs and help you choose a setup to protect your home HVAC. Along with 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 (818) 727-9993 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Is HVAC surge protection a good investment? 

Absolutely. Installing whole-home surge protection is often worth the 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. 

Can a sudden power spike damage an air conditioner? 

Absolutely. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause costly repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by shielding the sensitive HVAC components. 

What are the common causes of power surges in a home? 

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. 

What is the average lifespan of a whole-house surge protector? 

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 5 to 10 years, although its lifespan 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 need replacement sooner. 

Does homeowners insurance cover power surge damage? 

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 help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 

Will whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

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