Homeowners often think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is definitely one cause, it’s far from 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 threaten televisions and computers. They can also cause HVAC electrical damage because current 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 Is a Power Surge  

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

Many people know 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 electrical surges also can happen when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or HVAC systems can also create minor 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, smaller surges can slowly wear down HVAC components over time, reducing their lifespan. 

Why Modern HVAC Systems Require Better Surge Protection 

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

Some of the most vulnerable components to power surges include: 

  • Circuit boards. They serve as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even very small voltage spikes. 
  • Variable-speed motors. These advanced motors rely on electronic controls that are sensitive to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • Communication systems. Modern heating and cooling systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for efficient operation. 
  • Inverter technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems rely on sophisticated electronics that are better protected with surge protection. 

Which HVAC Components Need the Most Protection? 

Damage from voltage spikes can cost hundreds or even thousands to fix. Installing whole-house surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and expensive HVAC repair after power surge incidents. 

HVAC components most vulnerable to power surges in Ames and Ankeny include: 

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • Compressors. This component is one of the highest-priced parts of an air conditioner or heat pump to replace. 
  • Blower motors.Voltage spikes can damage motors used to move conditioned air throughout your home. 
  • Capacitors. Surges can weaken or damage these components, reducing system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. Electronic thermostats can malfunction after multiple 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 people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but power strips don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. For HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers greater coverage and greater long-term value. 

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

Benefits of Whole-Home 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-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Avoiding surge damage can help reduce expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Extended HVAC system lifespan. Sensitive components experience lower electrical stress over time when equipped with surge protection. 
  • Protection of homeelectronics. In addition to protecting your HVAC, a whole-house surge protector also shields appliances, computers and entertainment systems. 
  • Less stress during storms. Surge protection provides added confidence when weather-related power outages occur. 
  • Protectionagainst everyday electrical fluctuations. Minor electrical surges can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs You May Need Surge Protection 

  1. Severe weather. Given the strong summer storms in Ames and Ankeny, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of power surge damage. 
  2. Blackouts or flickering lights. Frequent outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of damaging voltage spikes. 
  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 by installing whole-home surge protection is often more affordable than repairing or replacing damaged components. 
  5. Smart home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters 

Home HVAC surge protection must be installed correctly to provide dependable protection. Hiring licensed HVAC and electrical professionals like the team at Haselhoff Air Solutions helps make sure the surge protection device is properly installed and ready to help protect your home HVAC system. 

The highly trained professionals at Haselhoff Air Solutions 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 from Future Power Surges 

Electrical surges aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Adding whole-home surge protection is an effective way to help prevent expensive 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 a wide variety of 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. In addition to surge protection, we provide 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 515-450-8739 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge protection for HVAC 

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 heating and cooling components, and it helps extend the life of your home comfort system.

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

Lightning strikes, utility grid switching and power outages are among the most common causes of power surges in homes. 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 its lifespan 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 can cover power surge damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the reason for the surge. With policy limits and deductibles varying, surge protection installation is often a smart way to avoid paying for preventable and expensive HVAC repairs.

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