Homeowners often think power surges only happen during lightning storms. While lightning is one cause, it’s far from the only one.  Major appliances turning on and off, electrical grid switching, power outages and restoration can all create electrical surges inside your home. 

These electric voltage spikes don’t just damage 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 protect one of your home’s biggest investments and reduce the risk of expensive repairs. 

What Are Power Surges  

A power surge in your home is a sudden spike in electrical voltage that travels through your home’s wiring. Although it lasts only a fraction of a second, it may damage household electronics, including HVAC equipment. 

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 power can also surge when electricity is restored after an outage. Household appliances like refrigerators or AC units 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, repeated minor surges can slowly wear down heating and air conditioning systems over time, shortening 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. Although these technologies offer many benefits, they can also make equipment more at risk of damage from voltage spikes, increasing the importance of HVAC electrical protection. 

HVAC parts that are especially sensitive to power surges include: 

  • Electronic circuit boards. They function as the system’s control center and can be damaged by even minimal voltage spikes. 
  • Energy-efficient variable-speed motors. Variable speed motors rely on electronic controls that are vulnerable to electric surges. 
  • Smart thermostats. Smart home devices are made with delicate electronics that control your HVAC equipment. 
  • HVAC system communication controls. Many newer heating and air conditioning systems use electronic communication between indoor and outdoor units for energy-efficient operation. 
  • Inverter-driven technology. Variable-capacity HVAC systems use 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 repair. Installing whole-house surge protection helps minimize the risk of unexpected failures and major HVAC repair after power surge incidents. 

HVAC components most commonly affected by power surges in Ames include: 

  • Control boards:Installing a whole-house surge protector protects your HVAC control board’s main. 
  • Airconditioner compressors. The compressor is one of the costliest 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. Electrical surges can weaken or damage these components, affecting system startup and performance. 
  • Thermostats and Smart Home Technology. A smart thermostat can malfunction after multiple voltage spikes. 
  • Heat pumpelectronics. Modern heat pumps use multiple electronic components that can be vulnerable to surges. 

Comparing Whole-Home Surge Protection to Power Strips 

Many people use surge-protecting power strips for computers and televisions, but these plug-in devices don’t protect your furnace or air conditioner. To provide complete HVAC system protection, whole-home surge protection offers more comprehensive coverage and long-term value. 

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

Benefits of Whole-House Surge Protection 

Adding whole-home surge protection is a smart way to protect your HVAC investment while also working to safeguard other valuable electronics throughout your home. 

Benefits of whole-house HVAC surge protection include: 

  • Fewer repair costs. Avoiding surge damage can help prevent expensive HVAC repairs. 
  • Longer HVAC equipmentlife. vulnerable technological 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 severe weather strikes. 
  • Protection from everyday electrical fluctuations. Even small, routine surges can gradually damage your HVAC system. 

5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Surge Protection 

  1. Frequent storms. Given the strong summer storms in Ames, lightning protection for your HVAC can help minimize the risk of surge-related damage. 
  2. Power outages or flickering lights. Repeated outages and changing voltage levels increase the likelihood of electrical surges. 
  3. Older electrical systems. Old wiring or obsolete electrical equipment can add to 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. Smart home technology. Homes with smart thermostats and other connected devices have even more sensitive electronics to protect. 

 

Expert Surge Protection Installation Makes a Difference 

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

The experienced professionals at Haselhoff Air Solutions understand the specific electrical needs of modern HVAC equipment and will identify the right surge protector for your air conditioner, furnace and other home comfort systems. 

Protect Your HVAC Investment from Future Power Surges 

Voltage spikes aren’t always dramatic, but they can have a major impact on your heating and cooling equipment. Installing whole-home surge protection is a smart 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 variety of surge protection options, including whole-home surge protection systems. Our professionals will evaluate your home’s needs and suggest a customized solution to protect your home HVAC. In addition to surge protection, we offer all electrical services for the rest of your home. 

Learn how surge protection can help safeguard your HVAC equipment. Schedule service online or call 515-450-8739 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Surge Protection 

Is whole-home surge protection worth it for an HVAC system? 

In most cases, yes. Whole-home surge protection is often worth the investment because it helps protect expensive HVAC equipment. The cost of installing surge protection is typically much lower than repairing or replacing damaged HVAC components, which can help extend the life of your home comfort system. 

Can an electrical surge damage an AC unit? 

It can. A power surge can damage an air conditioning compressor, circuit board and blower motor, resulting in costly repairs. A surge protector for your AC helps protect your air conditioner from electrical fluctuations by preventing the surges from reaching sensitive HVAC components. 

What can cause power surges in a home? 

Power surges are most commonly caused by lightning strikes, utility grid switching, power outages, power restoration and large appliances cycling on and off. Another possible cause is problems within your home’s electrical system. Small voltage spikes can gradually wear down HVAC components over time. 

How long does a whole-home surge protector last? 

A whole-house surge protector usually lasts 5 to 10 years, although that 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 require replacement sooner. 

Does a homeowners insurance policy cover damage caused by power surges? 

It depends. Homeowners insurance can 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 a smart way to protect your pocketbook from expensive HVAC repairs. 

Will whole-home surge protection help protect smart thermostats? 

Yes. Power surge protection for HVAC helps safeguard smart thermostats and other connected HVAC components from damaging voltage spikes. It can also improve system reliability and reduce the risk of expensive repairs to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.