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

What Are Power Surges  

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

Lightning remains the most well-known cause, but many surges happen much closer to home. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and electrical surges also can happen 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 can cause surges. 

While a single large surge can cause immediate damage, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and cooling equipment over time, limiting their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

Today’s heating and cooling systems use high-tech electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Even though hese advanced features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more sensitive to voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. These act as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Connected thermostats contain 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 efficient operation. 
  • Variable-capacity inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that work best with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most at Risk? 

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

HVAC components that are frequently damaged by power surges in Moline include: 

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • 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. A smart thermostat can malfunction after repeated voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Modern heat pumps use 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 HVAC system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader coverage and long-term value. 

A professionally installed whole-house surge protector is connected at your home’s electrical panel. Rather than protecting only one outlet, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout the house, including your HVAC equipment. 

Benefits of Whole-Home HVAC Surge Protection 

Using 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-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Lower repair expenses. Preventing surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Sensitive components experience reduced electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Surge protection provides added confidence when severe storms strike your area. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Moline, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Frequent outages and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of power surges. 
  3. Outdated home wiring. Old wiring or substandard electrical equipment can increase your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Expensive 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. Smart home technology. Homes with Wi-Fi thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Is Important 

Home HVAC surge protection must be properly installed to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning helps confirm the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning understand the specialized electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will help you choose the right surge protector for your air conditioning unit, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment Before the Next Power Surge 

Power surges aren’t always obvious, but they can have a big impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Installing 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 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-house surge protectors. 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 offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Learn how surge protection can help protect your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 309-762-3641 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Absolutely. Whole-house surge protection is typically a worthwhile investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. 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 conditioner’s compressor, circuit board and blower motor, leading to major 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.

Power surges are most commonly caused by lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Power surges may also stem from problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes 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 homes that experience many severe storms or utility power fluctuations may require replacement sooner.

It can. Homeowners insurance may cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the cause of 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 electrical surges. Surge protection may also improve system lifespan and reduce the risk of costly repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.