Many homeowners think power surges are limited to lightning storms. Although lightning is one cause, it’s certainly not the only one. Utility grid activity, restoring power after outages and large household appliances cycling can all create voltage spikes inside your home. 

These electric voltage spikes 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 sophisticated electronic components. The good news is HVAC surge protection can help safeguard one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. 

What Is a Power Surge  

A power surge is a sudden 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. Utility companies regularly switch power on the electrical grid, and power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Large appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners can also create small voltage fluctuations when they cycle on and off. It’s also possible that loose wiring or other home electrical issues contribute to surges. 

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

Why Modern HVAC Systems Are More Vulnerable Than Ever 

Many of today’s heating and cooling systems use advanced electronics to improve comfort and energy efficiency. While these features offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, highlighting the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

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

  • Circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed blower motors. These energy-saving motors rely on electronic controls that are susceptible to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. A smart thermostat uses delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • Electronic communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Are Most Vulnerable to Power Surges? 

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

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Newark include: 

  • Control boards:The HVAC system’s control board contains essential operating controls, which can be badly damaged by surges. 
  • 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 used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Smartthermostats. These devices may malfunction after multiple 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? 

Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your heating and cooling system. For complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers broader 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, it helps safeguard major appliances and electronics throughout your house, including your HVAC system. 

Benefits of Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Using whole-home surge protection is a proactive 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 avoid expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. vulnerable technological components experience lower electrical stress over time when protected correctly. 
  • Home electronics protection. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-home surge protector also safeguards appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Added confidence during severe weather. You’ll have added confidence when severe weather strikes. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Small voltage spikes can gradually damage electronic HVAC equipment. 

5 Signs Your Home Could Benefit from Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the strong summer storms in Newark, lightning protection for your HVAC can help lower the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Ongoing power interruptions and electrical fluctuations increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Aging electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can raise your home’s surge risk. 
  4. Modern heating and cooling equipment. Shielding 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 Matters 

Whole-house surge protection must be installed correctly to provide consistent protection. Working with licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Luikart Heating & Cooling helps ensure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to protect your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Luikart Heating & Cooling understand the unique 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 with Whole-Home Surge Protection 

Voltage spikes aren’t always obvious, but they can have a major impact on your HVAC 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 variety of surge protection options, including whole-home protection. Our professionals will assess your home’s needs and recommend a setup to protect your home HVAC. Beyond 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 740-344-5497 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

Is HVAC surge protection a good investment? 

Absolutely. Whole-home 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 heating and cooling components, helping extend the life of your home comfort system. 

Can a sudden power spike damage an air conditioner? 

Yes. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, which can cause costly repairs. AC surge protection helps protect your air conditioner from power surges by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components. 

What causes power surges throughout 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. 

How long does a whole-home surge protector last? 

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 need replacement sooner. 

Does a homeowners insurance policy cover power surge repairs? 

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 a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs. 

Can a surge protector help protect smart thermostats? 

It can. Power surge protection for HVAC helps shield smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It also helps improve system longevity and reduce the risk of extensive repairs to home heating and cooling equipment.